The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel;
And the former called the latter "Little Prig."
Bun replied,
"You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it's no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry.
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ: all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut."
Folks who are praising Emerson here probably haven't read great poems in English and other languages. I feel bad for such non-intellectual unfortunate individuals.
Cleverly twinned lines.truly, talents differ...thanks for this pretty piece
Big or small, l talent of each counts in the over all whole of all!
Insightful and wisely written...No comparison and no replacement either.
Very nice poem i like this poem everybody read this poem.
The dialogue between the mountain and the squirrel is quite interesting. It leads us to the fact that each and every object has a unique purpose. So, it is not worthwhile to assess an object as big or small, significant or worthless.