Stork
,a sacred bird, according to the Swedish legend received its name from flying round the cross of the crucified Redeemer, crying Styrka! styrka! (Strengthen! strengthen!). (See Christ, in Christian Traditions.)
Storks are the sworn foes of snakes. Hence the veneration in which they are held. They are also excellent scavengers. (Stork, Anglo-Saxon, storc.)
“Twill profit when the stork, sworn foe of snakes,
Returns, to show compassion to thy plants.”
