THE KITE AND THE EAGLE
KITE was very boastful. One day he spoke scornfully of Eagle, who heard his words. Kite began to sing in a loud voice,
I alone,
I alone,
Can go up,
So as to seem as if hanging from the blue sky.
Eagle answered scornfully. He sang,
Who is this,
Who is this,
Who boasts of flying so high?
Kite was ashamed. He answered in a small voice, “Oh, I was only singing of the great Khakate. It is he who is said to fly so high.”
Eagle answered, “Oh, you crooked tongue! You are below my notice.”
Then Eagle soared high into the sky. But just as soon as he was out of hearing, Kite began to sing again in a very loud voice,
I alone,
I alone,
Can go up,
So as to seem as if hanging from the blue sky.