Section 270

The Partridge and the Fowler explained simply

Aesop's Fables by Aesop

Original excerpt

Excerpt preview

A caught a in his nets, and was just about to wring its neck when it made a piteous appeal to him to spare its life and said, "Do not kill me, but let me live and I will repay you for your kindness by decoying other partridges into your nets." "No," said the F...
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Public-domain original

A caught a in his nets, and was just about to wring its neck when it made a piteous appeal to him to spare its life and said, "Do not kill me, but let me live and I will repay you for your kindness by decoying other partridges into your nets." "No," said the Fowler, "I will not spare you. I was going to kill you anyhow, and after that treacherous speech you thoroughly deserve your fate."

Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.

What happens here

A short fable about The Partridge and The Fowler shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.

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 Partridge: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
  • The Fowler: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.

Simple story version

In simple terms, The Partridge and The Fowler face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.