The Moral Vision
Perseverance Pays
~ 259 ~
waste a single moment on lamenting their loss. Nor
did they go away to collect a whole flock of birds to
come and make a united attack on the house owner.
They simply flew to and from the home, quietly and
incessantly picking up fresh straws and fixing them
in position. They did not waste a single moment.
This self-same story was repeated from day to day
for over a month. The house owner would angrily
destroy their home and moments later the sparrows
would reappear with straws in their beaks to begin
their labour all over again. Their efforts seemed
fruitless. Their incessant gathering of straws was
apparently futile. But regardless of consequences,
they went on steadily with their work. It was the
birds’ answer to the unmitigated hatred of the man.
Yet although he was the stronger, they always
seemed somehow to foil him. And, finally their
silent endeavours gained the upper hand. The man
realized that his resistance was futile and he
stopped destroying the nests. Now they have
completed their nest and have successfully laid and
hatched their eggs. Their chirruping no longer
incenses the man. He has simply ceased to mind
them, for they have taught him a priceless lesson -
