A Fowler was busy placing his nets, and putting his tackle in order,
by the side of a coppice, when a Blackbird, who was perched on an
adjacent tree, eyed him with great attention; but being at a loss to
know the use of all this apparatus and preparation, had the curiosity
to ask him what he was doing. I am, says the Fowler, building a fine
city for you birds to live in, and providing it with meat and all
manner of conveniences for you. Having said this, he departed and hid
himself, and the Blackbird, believing his words, came into the nets and
was taken; but when the man ran up to seize his captive, the Bird thus
addressed him: If this be your faith, and these the cities you build,
it will be a great pity if you should ever again persuade any poor
simple bird to try to inhabit them.