The Tale of the Sparrow and the Eagle[1]

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Simon E. Phipp
Created On 17 September 1997
Last Updated On 17 September 1997
Copyright (c) Simon E. Phipp 1997

There once was a sparrow [2] who lived in a bush near some fields. Each day, he saw a mighty eagle [3] flying in the air and thought "I wish I were an eagle, flying so high".

The eagle swooped down, grabbed a lamb in its talons and carried it off.

"I wish I could do that" said the sparrow. "But, I have wings like the Eagle and feathers as bright, why can't I do it?"

With this, the sparrow took off and flew to the fields, where he swooped down on a lamb. But he was not strong and was caught up in the fleece.

The shepherd came along and found the sparrow, so he untangled it, tied a string around its leg, took it home and gave it to his sons to play with.

So, beware, listener, lest you aspire above your station and end up a slave. [4]


[1] Adapted from a tale in "One Thousand Nights and One Night".
[2] The sparrow is a peasant's bird.
[3] The eagle is the bird representing the Emperor.
[4] This is a Dara Happan cautionary tale, designed to ensure that people remain in their place. It was told to Solarus Skywatch, a Yelmalion nobelman who wished to be a king.

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