The Kite 
At the battle of St. Albans York declares that 
The deadly-handed Clifford slew my steed ; 
But match to match I have encounter’d him, 
And made a prey for carrion kites and crows 
Even of the bonny beast he loved so well.* 
The thievish propensities of the kite when 
building its nest led it to plunder all sorts 
of garments that might be bleaching on 
the hedge,—pieces of rag, old hats, and 
bits of paper. This habit is sympathetic- 
ally referred to by Autolycus, who was 
himself, as he confesses, another ‘‘ snapper- 
up of unconsidered trifles.’—“ My traffic 
is sheets; when the kite builds, look to 
lesser linen.” * The very name of kite 
became an epithet of contempt and hatred. 
When Goneril announced to her father in 
peremptory terms that he must “ disquan- 
tity his train,” poor old Lear’s indignation 
was in response hurled at her in these 
words, “‘ Detested kite.” ’ 
12 Henry VI. v. ii. 9. 2 Winter's Tale, wv. il. 23. 
3 Lear i. iv. 262. 
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