Section 226
The Fowler and the Lark explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A was setting his nets for little birds when a Lark came up to him and asked him what he was doing. "I am engaged in founding a city," said he, and with that he withdrew to a short distance and concealed himself. The Lark examined the nets with great curiosity, and pres...
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Public-domain original
A was setting his nets for little birds when a Lark came up
to him and asked him what he was doing. "I am engaged in founding a
city," said he, and with that he withdrew to a short distance and
concealed himself. The Lark examined the nets with great curiosity,
and presently, catching sight of the bait, hopped on to them in order
to secure it, and became entangled in the meshes. The Fowler then ran
up quickly and captured her. "What a fool I was!" said she: "but at
any rate, if that's the kind of city you are founding, it'll be a long
time before you find fools enough to fill it."
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
A Fowler was setting his nets for little birds when a Lark came up to him and asked him what he was doing.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns a common human habit into a short lesson about judgment and consequences.
Characters in this scene
- The Fowler: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Lark: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
A Fowler was setting his nets for little birds when a Lark came up to him and asked him what he was doing. "I am engaged in founding a city," said he, and with that he withdrew to a short distance and concealed himself.