The Kite and the Pigeons

09. THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. Some Pigeons had long lived in fear of a Kite but, by being always on the alert and keeping near their dove cote, they had contrived hitherto to escape the attacks of the enemy. Finding his sallies unsuccessful, the Kite betook himself to craft. "Why," said he, "do you prefer this life of continual anxiety, when if you would only make me your king, I would secure you from every attack that could be made upon you!" The Pigeons, trusting to his professions, called him to the throne, but no sooner was he established there than he exercised his prerogative by devouring a pigeon a day. Whereupon one that yet awaited his turn said no more than, "It serves us right." They who voluntarily put power into the hand of a tyrant or an enemy must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves. [more info]

Doves, Kite, and Hawk

2.02. De columbis, milvo et accipitre
Caxton: Of the Columbes or douues of the kyte and of the sperehawke /
Who that putte and submytteth hym self vnder the saue gard or protection of the euylle / thou oughtest to wete & knowe / that whan he asketh & demaunded ayde & helpe / he geteth none / Wherof Esope reherceth to vs suche a fable / Of the douues whiche demaunded a sperehawke for to be theyr kynge / for to kepe them fro the kyte or mylan / And whanne the sperehawke was maade kynge ouer them / he beganne to deuoure them / the whiche columbes or douues sayd amonge them / that better it were to them to suffre of the kyte than to be vnder the subiection of the sperehawke / & to be martred as we be / but therof we be wel worthy / For we oure self been cause of this meschyef /
And therfore whanne men done ony thyng / men ought well to loke and consydere thende of hit / For he dothe prudently and wysely whiche taketh good hede to the ende
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The Kite and the Pigeons

016. THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS You will find the fable in English on this page; scroll down to see if there are multiple English versions. [more info]

The Hawk and the Doves

THE HAWK AND THE DOVES. You will find the fable in English on this page; scroll to see if there are multiple English versions. [more info]

The Kite and the Pigeons

016. THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. A kite, who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dove-house, and made a stoop at several pigeons, but all to no purpose (for they were too nimble for him), at last had recourse to stratagem, and took his opportunity one day to make a declaration to them, in which he set forth his own just and good intentions, who had nothing more at heart than the defence and protection of the pigeons in their ancient rights and liberties; and how concerned he was at their fears and jealousies of a foreign invasion, especially their unjust and unreasonable suspicions of himself, as if he intended, by force of arms, to break in upon their constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent all which and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper to propose to them such terms of alliance and articles of peace, as might forever cement a good understanding betwixt them. The principal of which was, that they should accept of him for their king, and invest him with all kingly privilege and prerogative over them.
The poor simple pigeons consented: the kite took the coronation oath after a very solemn manner on his part; and the doves, the oaths of allegiance and fidelity on theirs. But much time had not passed over their heads, before the good kite pretended that it was part of his prerogative to devour a pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he was not contented to do himself only, but instructed the rest of the royal family in the same kingly arts of government. The pigeons, reduced to this miserable condition, said one to the other, “Ah! We deserve no better! Why did we let him come in?” [more info]

The Kite and the Pigeons

016. THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. A kite, who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dove-house, and made a stoop at several pigeons, but all to no purpose (for they were too nimble for him), at last had recourse to stratagem, and took his opportunity one day to make a declaration to them, in which he set forth his own just and good intentions, who had nothing more at heart than the defence and protection of the pigeons in their ancient rights and liberties; and how concerned he was at their fears and jealousies of a foreign invasion, especially their unjust and unreasonable suspicions of himself, as if he intended, by force of arms, to break in upon their constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent all which and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper to propose to them such terms of alliance and articles of peace, as might forever cement a good understanding betwixt them. The principal of which was, that they should accept of him for their king, and invest him with all kingly privilege and prerogative over them.
The poor simple pigeons consented: the kite took the coronation oath after a very solemn manner on his part; and the doves, the oaths of allegiance and fidelity on theirs. But much time had not passed over their heads, before the good kite pretended that it was part of his prerogative to devour a pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he was not contented to do himself only, but instructed the rest of the royal family in the same kingly arts of government. The pigeons, reduced to this miserable condition, said one to the other, “Ah! We deserve no better! Why did we let him come in?” [more info]

The Kite and the Pigeons

1.31. THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. He who entrusts himself to the protection of a wicked man, while he seeks assistance, meets with destruction.
Some Pigeons, having often escaped from a Kite, and by their swiftness of wing avoided death, the spoiler had recourse to stratagem, and by a crafty device of this nature, deceived the harmless race. “Why do you prefer to live a life of anxiety, rather than conclude a treaty, and make me your king, who can ensure your safety from every injury?” They, putting confidence in him, entrusted themselves to the Kite, who, on obtaining the sovereignty, began to devour them one by one, and to exercise authority with his cruel talons. Then said one of those that were left: “Deservedly are we smitten.” [more info]

The Kite and the Doves

1.29. THE KITE AND THE DOVES.
He that would have the wicked reign,
Instead of help will find his bane.
The Doves had oft escaped the Kite,
By their celerity of flight;
The ruffian then to coz’nage stoop’d,
And thus the tim’rous race he duped:
“Why do you lead a life of fear,
Rather than my proposals hear?
Elect me for your king, and
I Will all your race indemnify.”
They foolishly the Kite believed,
Who having now the pow’r received,
Began upon the Doves to prey,
And exercise tyrannic sway.
“Justly,” says one who yet remain’d,
“We die the death ourselves ordain’d.” [more info]

The Hawk, The Kite, and the Pigeons

080. THE HAWK, THE KITE, AND THE PIGEONS. THE PIGEONS, terrified by the appearance of a Kite, called upon the Hawk to defend them. He at once consented. When they had admitted him into the cote, they found that he made more havoc and slew a larger number of them in one day than the Kite could pounce upon in a whole year.
Avoid a remedy that is worse than the disease. [more info]