A Tortoise desired to change its place of residence, so he
asked an Eagle to carry him to his new home, promising1 her a rich
reward for her trouble. The Eagle agreed and seizing the Tortoise
by the shell with her talons2 soared aloft. On their way they met
a Crow, who said to the Eagle: "Tortoise is good eating." "The
shell is too hard," said the Eagle in reply. "The rocks will soon
crack the shell," was the Crow's answer; and the Eagle, taking the
hint, let fall the Tortoise on a sharp rock, and the two birds
made a hearty3 meal of the Tortoise.
Never soar aloft on an enemy's pinions4.