The Eagle and the Kite
by Aesop
AN EAGLE, overwhelmed with sorrow, sat upon the branches of a tree, in company with a Kite. Why,
said the Kite: do I see you with such a rueful look?
I seek,
she replied: for a mate suitable for me, and am not able to find one.
Take me,
returned the Kite: I am much stronger than you are.
Why, are you able to secure the means of living by your plunder?
Well, I have often caught and carried away an ostrich in my talons.
The Eagle, persuaded by these words, accepted him as her mate.
Shortly after the nuptials, the Eagle said: Fly off and bring me back the ostrich you promised me.
The Kite, soaring aloft into the air, brought back the shabbiest possible mouse. Is this,
said the Eagle: the faithful fulfillment of your promise to me?
The Kite replied: That I might attain your royal hand, there is nothing that I would not have promised, however much I knew that I must fail in the performance.
Moral:
Promises of a suitor must be taken with caution.
Source:
Aesop's FablesCopyright 1881
Translator: unknown
WM. L. Allison, New York
Illustrator: Harrison Weir, John Tenniel, Ernest Griset, et.al.