u/StandardTart2558

https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portret_van_de_eend_Sijctghen

The painting is accompanied by a poem, written from the perspective of the duck Sijctghen. The first part of the poem dates from 1647. A second verse was added in 1650 following Sijctghen’s death.

I’ve been forced to work. Damn

I was young and strong. Then I came here

In the bird castle, without a mate,

I have lived for some twenty years,

laying a good hundred eggs a year;

that is why I am worn out,

with broken bones. Yet, having recovered,

I am still healthy and colourful,

and when I am sick and die,

write down the year and the date

1647

Anno. fifty-eight days into

October, one hears lamentations

of a slow death; this is all true,

having been out for twenty-three years

1650