CORMORANT

6th March 2024

Photo Credit: warren farnell (Getty Images), CANVA

QUOTATION

Methinks I am a prophet new inspired

And thus expiring do tell of him:

His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last,

For violent fires soon burn out themselves;

Small showers last long, but sudden storms are short;

He tires betimes that spurs too fast betimes;

With eager feeding food doth choke the feeder;

Light vanity, insatiate cormorant,

Consuming means, soon preys upon itself.

GAUNT: Richard II, Act 2, Scene 1

CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Shakespeare uses the Cormorant as a metaphor for greediness on several occasions including in Coriolanus, Loves Labours Lost, Richard II, and Troilus and Cressida.

Cormorants are medium sized, aquatic birds often found on coasts but can also be found inland. They are well known for their fishing abilities as well as their habit of drying their wings by holding them outstretched.

More Information

BTO: Cormorant

Folger Shakespeare Library: Search Shakespeare’s Works

RPSB: Cormorant