SEA EAGLE. 43 



upon a neighbouring farm-yard, and carried off a goose, 

 matters began to assume a serious aspect. A council of 

 war was called : the farmer, the game-keeper, and the rat- 

 catcher met in conclave ; an alliance offensive and defen- 

 sive was formed ; the eagle was denounced ; and all mea- 

 sures, whether of force or stratagem, were declared lawful, 

 to destroy such a marauder : the first subscribed a pigeon, 

 the second a trap, and the third a rat. Operations were 

 commenced by laying down the pigeon near the supposed 

 retreat of the robber, as if to test his gullibility : this was 

 immediately carried off: the trap was then set on the 

 same spot, baited with the rat, and by means of this ig- 

 noble lure was the poor eagle deluded and captured. 



