“My flesh shall be given,” said the King.
“Then I wish the weight of the bird to be taken from your right side, and in the presence of the Queen and your small son,” demanded the eagle.
“Beseech the Queen to come hither,” said the King, “with my son.”
And to the horror of all the Court, the scales were brought; and in the presence of the Queen they prepared to slice off the weight of the bird from the King’s right side.
The King sat steadfast: but alas! the bird seemed to grow heavier, with each fresh gift of the King’s flesh.
And the eagle watched from the foot of the throne: and the eagle laughed aloud.
Then from the left eye of the King fell a single tear.
“Stay,” said the eagle, “I want no unwilling sacrifice.”
“Nay, but,” said the King, “willing enough is this. My left eye but weeps because to the right side of the King alone is it given to protect the weak and defenceless.”
Upon which, says the old story, the miracle happened. For even the eagle saw the beauty of giving: and he flew away hungry to his mountains, and neither was the King really hurt, nor the dove without a home.