The Bird-Catcher, the Hawk, and the Skylark

"The Bird-Catcher, the Hawk, and the Skylark" is a fable by French author Jean de La Fontaine. The story follows a cunning bird-catcher who captures a skylark, promising her freedom if she can attract other birds. However, a wise hawk interrupts their conversation, warning the skylark about the deceitful nature of humans. This tale of cunning and caution highlights the importance of skepticism and discernment and the often predatory nature of mankind.

• Fable

								
Injustice, and false people's wilful crimes,
Serve others as excuses, oftentimes,
For fresh injustice. Nature's law's planned so;
If you wish to be spared, then give no blow.

A Countryman, with glittering looking-glass,
Was catching birds. The brilliant phantom lured
A Lark; when, suddenly, it came to pass
A Sparrow Hawk, of its sweet prey assured,
Dropped from the cloud, and struck swift to the ground
The gentlest bird that sings; though near the tomb,
She had escaped the trap; yet now she found
Beneath that cruel beak at last her doom.
Whilst stripping her, eager and all intent,
The Hawk itself beneath the net was caught.
"Fowler," he cried, "no harm I ever meant:
I never did thee ill, nor ever sought
To do." The man replied, "This helpless thing
Had done no more to thee;--no murmuring!"
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