The Cuckoo and the Eagle

 The Eagle promoted a Cuckoo to the rank of a Nightingale. The Cuckoo, proud of its new position, seated itself proudly on an aspen, and began to exhibit its musical talents. After a time, it looks round. All the birds are flying away, some laughing at it, others abusing it. Our Cuckoo grows angry, and hastens to the Eagle with a complaint against the birds.

 

"Have pity on me!" it says. "According to your command, I have been appointed Nightingale to these woods, and yet the birds dare to laugh at my singing."

 

"My friend," answers the Eagle, "I am a king, but I am not God. It is

impossible for me to remedy the cause of your complaint. I can order a

Cuckoo to be styled a Nightingale; but to make a Nightingale out of a

Cuckoo—that I cannot do."