1878 – The Swan and the Drake

“The Swan and the Drake – by Harrison Weir” is a full page book plate image, taken from the “Chatterbox Album of Animals”, published by W.W.Gardner, circa 1878. Instead of an anecdote accompanying the illustration, a simple educational fable with moral is attached and reads as follows: “An impertinent Drake said to a Swan, ‘How is it that I never hear you talking? Are you really dumb, Mr Swan?’ The Swan answered – ‘When I hear your noising quacking, Sir Drake, I often think you must be deaf!’ It is better to be silent, like the Swan, than to be for ever prating, like the Drake.”

Prints currently available in A4, A3 and A2 sizing options.