TEE KITES of olden times, as well as the Swans, had the privilege of song. —
过去的时候，鹞子和天鹅都有歌唱的特权。 —

But having heard the neigh of the horse, they were so enchanted with the sound, that they tried to imitate it; —
但是当它们听到马儿的嘶鸣声时，它们被这声音迷住了，想要模仿它； —

and, in trying to neigh, they forgot how to sing.
为了模仿马儿的嘶鸣声，它们竟然忘记了自己该如何歌唱。

The desire for imaginary benefits often involves the loss of present blessings.
对幻想中的好处的渴望往往会带来对现在福祉的失去。