The Crescent Moon(25)

SYMPATHY

    IF I were only a little puppy, not your baby, mother dear, would you say "No" to me if I tried to eat from your dish？

    Would you drive me off, saying to me, "Get away, you naughty little puppy？"

    Then go, mother, go！ I will never come to you when you call me, and never let you feed me any more.

    If I were only a little green parrot, and not your baby, mother dear, would you keep me chained lest I should fly away？

    Would you shake your finger at me and say, "What an ungrateful wretch¹ of a bird！ It is gnawing² at its chain day and night？"

    Then, go, mother, go！ I will run away into the woods； I will never let you take me in your arms again.