Cornix = a crow, probably from √καρ; cf. our croak, and κόραξ, cor-vus, a raven.
Palladis. You have no doubt heard of Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη, the virgin goddess of war and of wisdom.
(ii.) Translation.—The force of the illustration lies in the strong contrast between the chattering, tale-bearing crow and the wise, silent owl sacred to the goddess of wisdom. Two such opposites, under the spell of Arion’s music, forget to quarrel, though for the time in close company.
And the chattering crow has without strife sat in company with the bird of Pallas.
[VIII.] Et accipitri iunctă cŏlumbă fuit.
(i.) Vocabulary.—
Accipitri = hawk (a general name for birds of prey), probably from √πετ-, pet- = move quickly; cf. πέτ-ομαι = fly about; pĕt-o = fall upon, attack, seek.
So accipiter = ac + pĕt-, swift + flying; cf. ὠκύπτερος = swift-winged.
(ii.) Translation.—The metre shows that columbă and iunctă must be taken together:—
And the dove has-been-joined-to (has consorted with) the hawk.