AN EAGLE, overwhelmed with sorrow, sat upon the branches of a tree in
company with a Kite. “Why,” said the Kite, “do I see you with such a
rueful look?” “I seek,” she replied, “a mate suitable for me, and am
not able to find one.” “Take me,” returned the Kite, “I am much
stronger than you are.” “Why, are you able to secure the means of
living by your plunder?” “Well, I have often caught and carried away an
ostrich in my talons.” The Eagle, persuaded by these words, accepted
him as her mate. Shortly after the nuptials, the Eagle said, “Fly off
and bring me back the ostrich you promised me.” The Kite, soaring aloft
into the air, brought back the shabbiest possible mouse, stinking from
the length of time it had lain about the fields. “Is this,” said the
Eagle, “the faithful fulfillment of your promise to me?” The Kite
replied, “That I might attain your royal hand, there is nothing that I
would not have promised, however much I knew that I must fail in the
performance.”