Section 19
The Cat and the Birds explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Cat heard that the Birds in an aviary were ailing. So he got himself up as a doctor, and, taking with him a set of the instruments proper to his profession, presented himself at the door, and inquired after the health of the Birds. "We shall do very well," they replied, without letting him in, "when we've...
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Public-domain original
A Cat heard that the Birds in an aviary were ailing. So he got himself
up as a doctor, and, taking with him a set of the instruments proper
to his profession, presented himself at the door, and inquired after
the health of the Birds. "We shall do very well," they replied,
without letting him in, "when we've seen the last of you."
A villain may disguise himself, but he will not deceive the wise.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A cat pretends to be a doctor so he can get close to sick birds.
Why this scene matters
This fable warns against trusting an enemy just because he uses helpful words.
Characters in this scene
- Cat: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Birds: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The cat says he has come to heal the birds. They refuse to let him in because they know what he really wants.