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.