A Kite who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dove-house,
and made a stoop at several Pigeons to no purpose, for they were
too nimble for him, at last had recourse to stratagem, and made a
declaration to them, in which he set forth his own just and good
intentions, and that he had nothing more at heart than the defence
and protection of the Pigeons in their ancient rights and liberties,
and how concerned he was at their unjust and unreasonable suspicions
of himself, as if he intended by force of arms to break in upon their
constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent
all which, and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper
to propose such terms of alliance, as might for ever cement a good
understanding between them; one of which was, that they should accept
of him for their king, and invest him with all kingly privilege and
prerogative over them; in return for which he promised them protection
from all their enemies. The poor simple Pigeons consented: the Kite
took the coronation oath, after a very solemn manner, on his part, and
the Doves the oaths of allegiance and fidelity on theirs. But much time
had not passed over their heads before the good Kite pretended that it
was part of his prerogative to devour a Pigeon whenever he pleased;
and this he was not contented to do himself only, but instructed the
rest of the royal family in the same kingly arts. The Pigeons, reduced
to this miserable condition, said one to the other, Ah! we deserve no
better! Why did we let him come in?