<SPAN name="THE_PEACOCK_AND_JUNO"></SPAN>
<h2>THE PEACOCK AND JUNO</h2>
<br/>
<p>The Peacock was greatly discontented because he had not a
beautiful voice like the nightingale, and he went and complained to
Juno about it. "The nightingale's song," said he, "is the envy of
all the birds; but whenever I utter a sound I become a
laughing-stock." The goddess tried to console him by saying, "You
have not, it is true, the power of song, but then you far excel all
the rest in beauty: your neck flashes like the emerald and your
splendid tail is a marvel of gorgeous colour." But the Peacock was
not appeased. "What is the use," said he, "of being beautiful, with
a voice like mine?" Then Juno replied, with a shade of sternness in
her tones, "Fate has allotted to all their destined gifts: to
yourself beauty, to the eagle strength, to the nightingale song,
and so on to all the rest in their degree; but you alone are
dissatisfied with your portion. Make, then, no more complaints.
For, if your present wish were granted, you would quickly find
cause for fresh discontent."</p>
<br/>
<br/>
<hr>
<br/>
<br/>
<div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />