Possible Clues:

• “Oh, when shall Britain, conscious of her claim, / Stand ____ of Greek and Roman fame?” (Alexander Pope)
• Seeking to imitate
• Fast runner not completely bad in competition
• In rivalry, note Greek character, poor soul
• Behold us following the bird
• Trying to copy bird with insect - failing finally
• Rivalrous
• Feeling rivalry
• Eager to equal another's deeds
• Has the big bird got a soul, or is it just copying?