The nightingale, if she should sing by day,
When every goose is cackling, would be thought
No better a musician than the wren.”
Merchant of Venice, Act v. Sc. 1.
Lady Macduff was reminded of the wren when bewailing the flight of her husband.
“Lady M. His flight was madness.…
Ross. You know not
Whether it was his wisdom or his fear.
Lady M. Wisdom! to leave his wife, to leave his babes,
His mansion, and his titles, in a place