The Eagle And The Jackdaw

by Aesop

　　An Eagle, swooping down on powerful wings, seized a lamb in hertalons and made off with it to her nest. A Jackdaw saw the deed,and his silly head was filled with the idea that he was big andstrong enough to do as the Eagle had done. So with much rustlingof feathers and a fierce air, he came down swiftly on the back ofa large Ram. But when he tried to rise again he found that hecould not get away, for his claws were tangled in the wool. Andso far was he from carrying away the Ram, that the Ram hardlynoticed he was there.

　　The Shepherd saw the fluttering Jackdaw and at once guessed whathad happened. Running up, he caught the bird and clipped itswings. That evening he gave the Jackdaw to his children.

　　"What a funny bird this is!" they said laughing, "what do youcall it, father?"

　　"That is a Jackdaw, my children. But if you should ask him, hewould say he is an Eagle."

　　Do not let your vanity make you overestimate your powers.