The Seagull and the Kite

Summary

In this short fable, a seagull overconsumes and swallows a fish that is too large, causing harm to itself and ultimately leading to its downfall. As the seagull lays dying on the shore, a kite observes the scene and remarks that the seagull's fate is deserved because it overstepped its natural boundaries by seeking food from an unfamiliar source, namely the sea. The kite's comment highlights the theme of knowing one’s limitations and the potential consequences of greed or overreaching beyond one's natural capabilities or environment. This simple yet meaningful story underscores the importance of moderation and sticking to one's own prowess, while serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive desire.

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A Seagull having bolted down too large a fish, burst its deep gullet-bag and lay down on the shore to die. A Kite saw him and exclaimed: “You richly deserve your fate; for a bird of the air has no business to seek its food from the sea.”