THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS
SOME Pigeons had long lived in fear of a Kite, but by being always on the alert, and keeping near their dove-cote, they had contrived hitherto to escape the attacks of the enemy. Finding his sallies unsuccessful, the Kite betook himself to craft: "Why," said he, "do you prefer this life of continual anxiety, when, if you would only make me your king, I would secure you from every attack that could be made upon you?" The Pigeons, trusting to his professions, called him to the throne; but no sooner was he established there than he exercised his prerogative by devouring a pigeon a-day. Whereupon one that yet awaited his turn, said no more than "It serves us right."
They who voluntarily put power into the hand of a tyrant or an enemy, must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves.
(Phædrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 31; Thomas James' translation.)
THE EAGLE, THE CAT AND THE WILD SOW
AN Eagle had made her nest at the top of a tall oak. A Cat, having found a convenient hole in the middle of the trunk, placed her kittens there; and a Wild Sow had found shelter for her young in another hollow at its foot. Before long the Cat decided to destroy the peace of this community by cruel trickery. As part of her plan, she climbed up to the nest of the Eagle and said:
"Destruction is threatening you, and probably me too, for the Wild Sow, whom you see daily rooting in the ground, is planning to uproot and overthrow this oak so that she may find an easy prey in your young ones and mine."
