AN EAGLE, overwhelmed with sorrow, sat upon the branches of a tree in company with a Kite. “Why,” said the Kite, “do I see you with such a rueful look? —
一只鹰，十分悲伤，坐在一棵树的枝干上，与一只红隼为伍。“嗯”，红隼说，“为什么我看见你满脸愁容？” —

’ “I seek,” she replied, “a mate suitable for me, and am not able to find one. —
“我在寻找一个适合我的伴侣，可是找不到。”她回答道。 —

” “Take me,” returned the Kite, “I am much stronger than you are. —
“接受我吧，”红隼回答，“我比你强壮得多。” —

” “Why, are you able to secure the means of living by your plunder? —
“哦，那你能靠抢掠来维持生计吗？” —

’ “Well, I have often caught and carried away an ostrich in my talons. —
“嗯，我经常用利爪捕捉并带走鸵鸟。” —

” The Eagle, persuaded by these words, accepted him as her mate. —
鹰听信了这些话，接受了他作为伴侣。 —

Shortly after the nuptials, the Eagle said, “Fly off and bring me back the ostrich you promised me. —
不久之后，鹰说：“飞走，给我带回你答应过我的鸵鸟。” —

” The Kite, soaring aloft into the air, brought back the shabbiest possible mouse, stinking from the length of time it had lain about the fields. —
“风筝在空中飞翔，带回一个在田野上摊放时间很久的最破烂的老鼠，它发出难闻的气味。” —

“Is this,” said the Eagle, “the faithful fulfillment of your promise to me? —
“难道这，”老鹰说，“是你对我的承诺的忠实履行吗？” —

’ The Kite replied, “That I might attain your royal hand, there is nothing that I would not have promised, however much I knew that I must fail in the performance.”
风筝回答说：“为了得到您的皇家之手，我愿意承诺任何事情，不管我知道我不可能实现。”