The Fowler and the Birds
Once upon a time, an old fowler lived at the edge of a green valley where cool waters flowed. All day long this man hid in the most secluded corners of the forest, watching for a chance to lure innocent birds into his trap. The cheerful inhabitants of the forest, on the other hand, were graceful creatures devoted to the freedom of the sky, living in solidarity with one another. One spring morning, while the scent of the damp earth filled the air, the fowler again spread his fine nets among the bushes. Around the net he scattered wheat grains so fresh and delicious that they dazzled the eyes of the birds. Just then a clever lark, perched on a high oak branch, was watching the man's cunning movements with curiosity. The little bird fluttered its wings gently, came down close to the ground and asked the fowler in a sweet voice.
"O man, what are you laying among the bushes, and for whom are you scattering these delicious seeds?" The fowler put a false smile on his face and decided to conceal his treacherous plan. "As you can see, my little friend, I am building a magnificent city here for travellers and for birds," he said. "And these delicious wheat grains are a generous banquet that I offer to the guests of this peaceful city of mine." Although the lark did not believe these deceitful words at once, it was on the point of falling for the sincerity of the fowler, who swore again and again. When the other hungry birds heard this lie, they too began to glide excitedly towards the banquet table. The fowler, hiding behind the bushes, held his breath and waited for his prey to approach the net.
The moment the birds began to peck merrily at the wheat, the cunning fowler suddenly pulled the cord from his hiding place. The fine but strong net closed over the poor birds in an instant and took their freedom away from them. The lark, caught in the trap, looked into the fowler's eyes as it struggled and let out a bitter cry. "If this is the city you are building," it said, "you will not find a single happy citizen willing to move here!" Sadly, regret was of no use any more, and the birds bowed helplessly to their dark future in the cage. Trusting without questioning the intentions hidden behind sweet promises drags a person into disasters beyond repair. Late repentance brings no benefit.