"Fool that I was, upon my eagle's wings I bore this wren, till I was tired with soaring, and now he mounts above me"

John Dryden's poignant lines evoke the pain and irony of misplaced generosity or mentorship. The speaker refers to themselves as a "fool", immediately establishing a tone of regret and self-reproach. The image of soaring on an eagle's wings evokes strength, ambition, and the power to rise high above others. Yet, the speaker admits to having used those formidable wings not for their own benefit, but for carrying a "wren", a small and seemingly insignificant bird. This juxtaposition emphasizes the perceived unworthiness or insignificance of the beneficiary.

The act of bearing the wren suggests nurturing, protection, and elevation, the eagle expends its might and stamina to support one who is not its equal in natural endowment. The word "tired" introduces exhaustion, hinting at the unsustainable nature of such one-sided support. The eagle, once powerful and soaring, is now weakened by the burden of carrying another.

The most striking irony emerges in the final image: once energy is spent, the wren, lifted, bolstered, perhaps emboldened by the eagle's support, ascends "above me". The one who once raised and supported is now left behind by their former protégé, whom they now see rising higher. This reversal stings, suggesting a deep human truth about the unpredictability of relationships and gratitude. Acts of elevation and generosity do not guarantee loyalty or humility from those who benefit.

Dryden’s metaphor touches on themes of ambition, mentorship, ingratitude, and the natural order. It can be read as a cautionary tale about offering help indiscriminately, about the perils of raising others without heed for one’s own limitations, and about the unexpected consequences that can arise when roles reverse. The feelings of exhaustion and betrayal resonate as universal, casting the eagle’s experience as a reflection on the risks inherent in generosity and the uncertainties of human nature.