Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/480

 410 "Then why should you expect to be held in honour? Let your fathers sleep in peace—they received their reward. But you, my friends, are fit only to be roasted."

(Kilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.)

THE CUCKOO AND THE EAGLE

HE Eagle, King of the birds, once appointed a Cuckoo to the position of Court Nightingale. The Cuckoo, proud of his new rank, seated himself on the bough of an aspen tree, and began to show his qualities as a singer. Presently he looked around to see what sort of an impression he was making. To his dismay all the other birds were starting to fly away, some angrily protesting, and the rest laughing at him. The Cuckoo was very indignant, and hurried back to the Eagle to make a complaint against the other birds.

"Your Majesty, I ask for justice," he cried, "By your command I was appointed Court Nightingale of these woods—and yet the other birds have dared to laugh at my singing!"

"My friend," answered the Eagle, "I am a King, but I am not God. It is impossible for me to do away with the cause of your complaint. I can order a Cuckoo to be called a Nightingale. But to make a Nightingale out of a Cuckoo—that I cannot do."

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.)

THE ELEPHANT IN FAVOR

NCE upon a time the Elephant was high in favour at the Court of the Lion, King of beasts. All the animals of the forest began to gossip, and many were the guesses they made as to how the Elephant had become such a favourite.