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.
 
"I want to get married," replied the Eagle, "and I can't find a mate who can provide for me as I should like."
 
"Take me," said the Kite; "I am very strong, stronger even than you!"
 
"Do you really think you can provide for me?" asked the Eagle eagerly.
 
"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!"
 
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.
 
"Is that the Ostrich you talked about?" said the Eagle in disgust.
 
"To win you I would have said and promised anything," replied the Kite.
 
Everything is fair in love.
 
One day a Stag came to a Sheep and asked her to lend him a measure of wheat. The Sheep knew him for a very swift runner, who could easily take himself out of reach, were he so inclined. So she asked him if he knew someone who would answer for him.
 
"Yes, yes," answered the Stag confidently, "the Wolf has promised to be my surety."
 
"The Wolf!" exclaimed the Sheep indignantly. "Do you think I would trust you on such security? I know the Wolf! He takes what he wants and runs off with it without paying. As for you, you can use your legs so well that I should have little chance of collecting the debt if I had to catch you for it!"
 
Two blacks do not make a white. 
Once upon a time a severe plague raged among the animals. Many died, and those who lived were so ill, that they cared for neither food nor drink, and dragged themselves about listlessly. No longer could a fat young hen tempt Master Fox to dinner, nor a tender lamb rouse greedy Sir Wolf's appetite.
 
At last the Lion decided to call a council. When all the animals were gathered together he arose and said:
 
"Dear friends, I believe the gods have sent this plague upon us as a punishment for our sins. Therefore, the most guilty one of us must be offered in sacrifice. Perhaps we may thus obtain forgiveness and cure for all.
 
"I will confess all my sins first. I admit that I have been very greedy and have devoured many sheep. They had done me no harm. I have eaten goats and bulls and stags. To tell the truth, I even ate up a shepherd now and then.
 
"Now, if I am the most guilty, I am ready to be sacrificed. But I think it best that each one confess his sins as I have done. Then we can decide in all justice who is the most guilty."
 
"Your majesty," said the Fox, "you are too good. Can it be a crime to eat sheep, such st............