A Stork of a very simple and trusting nature had been asked by a
gay party of Cranes to visit a field that had been newly planted.
But the party ended dismally with all the birds entangled in the
meshes of the Farmer's net.
The Stork begged the Farmer to spare him.
"Please let me go," he pleaded. "I belong to the Stork family who
you know are honest and birds of good character. Besides, I did
not know the Cranes were going to steal."
"You may be a very good bird," answered the Farmer, "but I caught
you with the thieving Cranes and you will have to share the same
punishment with them."
_You are judged by the company you keep._