the kingly eagle kept his court with all the formalities of sovereign state, and was duly attended by all his plumed subjects in their highest feathers.

these solemn assemblies, however, were frequently disturbed by the impertinent conduct of two, who assumed the importance of high-fliers; these were no other than the jackdaw and the magpie, who were forever contending for precedence which neither of them would give up to the other.

the contest ran so high that at length they mutually agreed to appeal to the sovereign eagle for his decision in this momentous affair.

the eagle gravely answered that he did not wish to make an invidious distinction by deciding to the advantage of either party, but would give them a rule by which they might determine between themselves; "for," added he, "the greater fool of the two shall in future always take precedence, but which of you it may be, yourselves must settle."