THE SCARECROW

Once I said to a scarecrow,“You must be tired of standing in this lonely field."

And he said,“The joy of scaring is a deep and lasting one,and I never tire of it."

Said I,after a minute of thought,“It is true;for I too have known that joy."

Said he,“Only those who are stuffed with straw can know it."

Then I left him,not knowing whether he had complimented or belittled me.

A year passed,during which the scarecrow turned philosopher.

And when I passed by him again I saw two crows building a nest under his hat.