it is related that one day a crow was flying and saw a partridge, which was walking gracefully on the ground with a quick step and graceful gait that enchanted the heart of the looker-on.

the crow was pleased with the gait of the partridge, and amazed at its agility. the desire of walking in the same manner fixed itself in his mind, and the insane longing to step proudly, after this fascinating fashion, made its appearance. he forthwith girt his loins in attendance on the partridge, and abandoning sleep and food, gave himself up to that arduous occupation, and kept continually running in the traces of the partridge and gazing on its progress.

one day the partridge said: "o crazy, black-faced one! i observe that thou art ever hovering about me, and art always watching my motions. what is it that thou dost want?"

the crow replied: "o thou of graceful manners and sweet smiling face, know that having conceived a desire to learn thy gait, i have followed thy steps for a long time past, and wish to acquire thy manner of walking, in order that i may place the foot of preeminence on the head of my fellows."

the partridge uttered a merry laugh, and said: "alack! alack! my walking gracefully is a thing implanted in me by nature, and thy style of going is equally a natural characteristic. my going is in one way, and thy mode of procedure is quite another. leave off this fancy and relinquish this idea."

the crow replied: "since i have plunged into this affair, no idle stories shall make me give it up; and until i grasp my wished-for object, i will not turn back from this road."

so the unfortunate crow for a long time ran after the partridge, and having failed to learn his method of going, forgot his own too, and could in nowise recover it.