The Sick Kite

A kite, gravely ill, spoke to his mother: "Oh Mother! Do not mourn for me, but instead, please invoke the gods so that my life may be prolonged."

She replied, "Alas, my son, which of the gods do you think will take pity on you? Is there any deity whom you have not offended by stealing a portion of their sacrifices right from their altars? We must cultivate friendships in times of prosperity if we wish to receive their help in times of adversity."