A Kite who had been sick a long time, beginning to be doubtful of
recovery, begged of his Mother to go to all the churches and religious
houses in the country, to try what prayers and offerings would effect
in his behalf. The old Kite replied, Indeed, my dear son, I would
willingly undertake any thing to save your life; but I have great
reason to despair of doing you any service in the way you propose: for,
with what face can I ask any thing of the Gods, in favour of one whose
whole life has been a continued scene of rapine and injustice, and who
has not scrupled, upon occasion, to rob even their altars?