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Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)

19. THE KITE, HAWK, AND PIGEONS (Perry 486)

The Pigeons finding themselves persecuted by the Kite, made choice of the Hawk for their Guardian. The Hawk sets up for their Protector; but under the countenance of that Authority, makes more havock in the Dove-house in two Days, than the Kite could have done in twice as many months.
THE MORAL ‘Tis a dangerous thing for People to call in a powerful and ambitious Man for their Protector; and upon the Clamour of here and there a private Person, to hazard the whole community.


L'Estrange originally published his version of the fables in 1692. There is a very nice illustrated edition in the Children's Classics series by Knopf: Sir Roger L'Estrange. Aesop - Fables which is available at amazon.com.