AN EAGLE, flying down from his perch on a lofty rock, seized upon a
lamb and carried him aloft in his talons. A Jackdaw, who witnessed the
capture of the lamb, was stirred with envy and determined to emulate
the strength and flight of the Eagle. He flew around with a great whir
of his wings and settled upon a large ram, with the intention of
carrying him off, but his claws became entangled in the ram’s fleece
and he was not able to release himself, although he fluttered with his
feathers as much as he could. The shepherd, seeing what had happened,
ran up and caught him. He at once clipped the Jackdaw’s wings, and
taking him home at night, gave him to his children. On their saying,
“Father, what kind of bird is it?” he replied, “To my certain knowledge
he is a Daw; but he would like you to think an Eagle.”