M.A., who furnished notes to later editions of Bailey's translation, says it is used as "a classic term of reproach for what sailors call a 'lazy lubber.'" Pliny's explanation of it is that it was a mark of sloth if the vine-dresser delayed the work of pruning until the Cuckoo's note was heard, i.e. till after the spring equinox. Hence, by association of ideas, the passer-by would "slang" him as a Cuculus! (Pliny xviii. 26). This is a far-fetched explanation. The habit of the bird in laying in another bird's nest seems to be an adequate explanation of the use of the name as a synonym for sloth, drone, &c.
"This peace and quietness is owing to my (Folly) management, for there would otherwise be continual jars, and broils, and mad doings, if want of wit only did not at the same time make a contented cuckold and still house; if the Cuckoo sing at the back door, the unthinking cornute takes no notice of the unlucky omen of others' eggs being laid in his own nest, but laughs and kisses his dear spouse, and all is well."
"What, are you an Augur then?
"Yes, I am.
"Pray by what Auguries do you prognosticate all this? What hath the night Owl appeared lucky?
"She flies for fools."
Erasmus has many references to Owls, and, as in the above, mainly of a classical and mythical character, allusions only made to turn the myths into ridicule. He was too sound a naturalist to believe in the old Owl myths, of which many are still preserved in classic literature, folk-lore, and even in immortal poetry: —
"Hark! Peace! It was the Owl that shriek'd,
The fatal bellman which gives the stern'st good night."
"The Owl shriek'd at thy birth, an evil sign."
"The Screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch, that lies in woe,
In remembrance of a shroud."
I have marked many passages in the works of Erasmus, all bearing directly on phenomena of natural history; also in the works of his friend Sir Thomas More, of ever blessed memory; but in the meantime the above must suffice.
