The Æsop for Children

THE EAGLE AND THE KITE

An Eagle sat high in the branches of a great Oak. She seemed very sad and drooping for an Eagle. A Kite saw her.

"Why do you look so woebegone?" asked the Kite.

The Eagle accepted the Kite immediately. But after the wedding, when the Kite flew away to find something to eat for his bride, all he had when he returned, was a tiny Mouse.

"Why, of course," replied the Kite. "That would be a very simple matter. I am so strong I can carry away an Ostrich in my talons as if it were a feather!"

"Take me," said the Kite; "I am very strong, stronger even than you!"

"Is that the Ostrich you talked about?" said the Eagle in disgust.

"I want to get married," replied the Eagle, "and I can't find a mate who can provide for me as I should like."

"Do you really think you can provide for me?" asked the Eagle eagerly.

"To win you I would have said and promised anything," replied the Kite.

Everything is fair in love.