The Peacock

The Peacock, they say, did not at first have the beautiful feathers in which he now takes so much pride. One day, he went to Juno, the goddess whose favorite he was, and begged her for a magnificent train of feathers that would distinguish him from all the other common birds in the forest.

Juno granted his request. Soon, the Peacock was decked in his new finery, gleaming with emerald, gold, purple, and azure. He strutted proudly among the birds, and all regarded him with envy. Even the most beautiful pheasant could see that his beauty was now surpassed by the Peacock's shimmering train.

As the sun climbed high, the Peacock saw an Eagle soaring effortlessly in the deep blue sky. Feeling a surge of his old habits, he felt a sudden desire to fly as he had once been accustomed to do. He wanted to reach the clouds and feel the wind beneath his wings once again.

Lifting his wings, he tried with all his might to rise from the ground. But the enormous weight of his magnificent train held him down. He fluttered and strained, but his feet remained firmly on the earth. His beautiful feathers, which he had begged for, were now a heavy burden.

Instead of flying up to greet the morning sun, he would have to walk the ground, more encumbered than any common barnyard fowl. He realized then that he had sacrificed his freedom for the sake of empty show. For true greatness is found in the ability to soar, not in the weight of one's ornaments.