LII.
WHY HAVE THE FISH NO FEET?
When God had made all the creatures, he gave every one the power of walking and saving themselves from danger.
Among others, came the fish, and God asked him what he would like, and the fish replied: “If I am to have my choice I would ask you to give me seven wings; I should fly much quicker than any other animal, and no one would be able to catch me: but should I be caught I am willing to die alive on the grill with my eyes open.” And God shook his head at the foolish request, for he knew that man would be able to find out how to make the line and hook, and that all the wings of the fish would not help him. So he is caught with his mouth open, and that is why the fish takes his punishment without murmuring, and dies quietly on the grill with his eyes open.
LIII.
WHY DO THE PLOVER FLY SINGLY?
The Story of the Plover and Lady Mary.
In the beginning the plover used to fly in large coveys. But one day, when Our Lady was riding on a horse, they ran across the road and frightened the horse so much that it threw the rider. Angry at the mishap, St. Mary cursed the plover that they should no longer gather in coveys but should go singly. And so it has remained to this very day. The plover nest quite alone and never join others in their flight.