The Sick Kite

Summary

This story is about a Kite facing its imminent death, who desperately asks its mother to appeal to the gods for a prolongation of its life. The mother responds with a stark reminder of the Kite's past actions, highlighting that it had previously stolen from the sacrifices offered to the gods. She questions which deity would have compassion for a creature that has repeatedly disrespected them. The narrative offers a moral lesson about the consequences of one's actions and the importance of respecting others, as the Kite's previous misdeeds leave it without divine support in its time of need.

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A Kite, sick unto death, said to his mother: “O Mother! do not mourn, but at once invoke the gods that my life may be prolonged.” She replied, “Alas! my son, which of the gods do you think will pity you? Is there one whom you have not outraged by filching from their very altars a part of the sacrifice offered up to them?”