FABLE XXXIII
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
Peacock was a very pretty bird. He had big, bright feathers. His feathers were green, blue, and gold. They shone in the sun. But Peacock was not happy. He had an ugly voice. His voice was loud and harsh. Nightingale had a sweet song. Her song was soft and clear. Peacock was very sad about his voice. He did not like his voice.
Peacock went to see Juno. Juno was a goddess. She was very wise. Peacock told Juno he was sad. He felt very bad. "My voice is ugly," he said. "It is not a good sound. Why is my voice not good? Why do I sound so bad?"
Juno was kind to Peacock. She looked at him with soft eyes. She said, "Peacock, you have pretty feathers. Your feathers are a wonder to see. You are big. You are strong. She told him good things. She spoke of his many gifts."
Peacock was still sad. He shook his head. He said, "My feathers are nice. Yes, they are pretty. But my voice is ugly. It makes a bad sound. I want a pretty voice. I want to sing like Nightingale. I want to make sweet music."
Juno told Peacock, "All are special. Each one has a place. You have your gifts, Peacock. Your gifts are plain to see. Nightingale has her gifts. Her song is a joy to hear. This is how it is for all. This is the way of the world."
Juno said, "You have good looks. Your feathers shine. Nightingale has a sweet song. Her voice is clear. Other creatures have other good things. The lion is strong. The deer runs fast. All are not the same. Each one is unique."
Juno told Peacock, "Look at other creatures. They are happy. They are happy with what they have. They do not wish for other things. They do not want to be someone else. They are content with their own gifts."
Juno said, "Be happy with your gifts." Your gifts are good. Look at your bright feathers. They are so pretty. Be proud of your strong body. It is a good body. This will make you happy. Yes, you will be happy. Do not be sad. Find joy in what you have. Your gifts are special too. Love what you have, Peacock. It is enough.
Original Story
FABLE XXXIII.
THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT.
The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he thought he was used, in not having so good a voice as the Nightingale; how that bird was agreeable to every ear that heard it, while he was laughed at for his ugly, screaming noise, if he did but open his mouth.
The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird, answered him very kindly to this purpose:—"If the Nightingale is blest with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of beauty and size." "Ah!" says he, "but what avails my silent, unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice?"
The goddess dismissed him, bidding him consider that the properties of every creature were appointed by the decree of Fate; to him beauty, to the Eagle strength, to the Nightingale a voice of melody, to the Parrot the faculty of speech, and to the Dove innocence; that each of these was contented with his own peculiar quality; and, unless he wished to be miserable, he must also learn to be equally satisfied.
MORAL.
The man who to his lot's resigned
True happiness is sure to find;
While envy ne'er can mend the ill,
But makes us feel it keener still.
Story DNA
Moral
True happiness is found in accepting one's lot, as envy only amplifies discontent.
Plot Summary
The beautiful Peacock complains to the goddess Juno that its voice is ugly compared to the Nightingale's. Juno reminds the Peacock of its own beauty and size, but the Peacock remains discontent. Juno then explains that each creature has unique, fate-appointed qualities and that true happiness comes from accepting one's own lot rather than envying others.
Themes
Emotional Arc
discontent to acceptance
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often draw on classical mythology for their divine figures, using them to deliver moral lessons.
Plot Beats (8)
- The Peacock feels unfairly treated because its voice is ugly compared to the Nightingale's beautiful song.
- The Peacock presents its complaint to the goddess Juno.
- Juno responds kindly, pointing out the Peacock's superior beauty and size.
- The Peacock argues that its beauty is meaningless without a good voice.
- Juno dismisses the Peacock, explaining that each creature's properties are determined by Fate.
- Juno lists the unique qualities of various animals (Peacock's beauty, Eagle's strength, Nightingale's voice, Parrot's speech, Dove's innocence).
- Juno states that each creature is content with its own quality.
- Juno advises the Peacock to be equally satisfied with its lot to avoid misery.
Characters
The Peacock
A large, majestic bird with a robust body and an exceptionally long, elaborate tail. His build is strong and graceful, designed for display rather than agility. He carries himself with an air of inherent regality, despite his current discontent.
Attire: His 'wardrobe' is his natural plumage: a shimmering, iridescent blue-green on his neck and breast, transitioning to a darker blue on his back. His most striking feature is his train of elongated upper tail coverts, which are emerald green, tipped with magnificent 'eyes' or ocelli, each a concentric circle of blue, green, gold, and black. These feathers are fanned out when he presents his complaint.
Wants: He desires to be admired for his voice as much as he is for his beauty. He seeks validation and wishes to be free from the perceived flaw of his 'ugly, screaming noise'.
Flaw: Envy and vanity. His inability to appreciate his own unique qualities leads to his unhappiness.
He begins the story deeply unhappy and envious. Juno's counsel aims to teach him contentment, implying a potential shift towards acceptance, though the story ends before showing his full transformation.
Vain, envious, discontented, self-pitying, and somewhat ungrateful. He focuses on what he lacks rather than what he possesses.
Juno
A powerful and majestic goddess, embodying grace and authority. Her form is likely statuesque and commanding, reflecting her divine status. She carries herself with an air of serene wisdom and maternal concern.
Attire: She wears flowing, classical Roman-style drapery, likely in rich, regal colors like deep purple, gold, or white, made of fine silk or linen. Her attire would be elegant and understated, emphasizing her divine authority rather than ostentation.
Wants: To guide her 'favourite bird' towards contentment and to impart a universal lesson about accepting one's fate and unique qualities.
Flaw: None explicitly shown; as a goddess, she embodies wisdom and justice.
She serves as a static figure of wisdom, offering counsel that aims to change the Peacock's perspective.
Wise, compassionate, patient, authoritative, and fair. She acts as a benevolent counselor.
The Nightingale
A small, unassuming bird, typically brown or grey, with a slender build. Its appearance is plain, contrasting sharply with its extraordinary vocal abilities.
Attire: Its natural plumage: modest brown and grey feathers, designed for camouflage rather than display.
Wants: To sing its beautiful melody, fulfilling its natural purpose.
Flaw: None mentioned; its strength lies in its voice.
A static character, serving as a point of comparison for the Peacock.
Not explicitly described, but implied to be content and focused on its natural gift. It is a symbol of pure, unadorned talent.
Locations
Juno's Divine Abode
A celestial throne room, likely within a grand Olympian palace, where Juno, the queen of the gods, holds court. The atmosphere is one of divine authority and serene power.
Mood: regal, serene, authoritative, slightly sympathetic
The Peacock presents his complaint to Juno, and she offers her counsel.