Section 146
The Eagle and the Cocks explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
There were two Cocks in the same farmyard, and they fought to decide who should be master. When the fight was over, the beaten one went and hid himself in a dark corner; while the victor flew up on to the roof of the stables and crowed lustily. But an Eagle espied him from high up in the...
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
There were two Cocks in the same farmyard, and they fought to decide
who should be master. When the fight was over, the beaten one went and
hid himself in a dark corner; while the victor flew up on to the roof
of the stables and crowed lustily. But an Eagle espied him from high
up in the sky, and swooped down and carried him off. Forthwith the
other Cock came out of his corner and ruled the roost without a rival.
Pride comes before a fall.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A proud cock announces victory and is taken by an eagle.
Why this scene matters
This fable warns that boastfulness after success can invite sudden downfall.
Characters in this scene
- Eagle: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Cocks: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
Two cocks fight, and the winner crows loudly from a high place. An eagle sees him and carries him away.