ITS POWER OVER FISH. 43 
Mr, Staunton thinks that the image is founded on the 
fabulous power attributed to the osprey of fascinating the 
fish on which he preys. In Peele’s play of The Battle of 
Alcazar, 1594 (Act i. Sc. 1), we read :— 
“JT will provide thee of a princely osprey, 
That, as he flieth over fish in pools, 
The fish shall turn their glistering bellies up, 
And thou shalt take thy liberal choice of all.” 
Another of the birds of prey mentioned by Shake- 
speare is “the lazar Kite” (Henry V. Act ii. Sc. 1). 
Although a large bird, and called by some the royal 
Kite (Milvus regalis), it has not the bold dash of many 
of our smaller hawks in seizing live and strong prey, but 
glides about ignobly, looking for a sickly or wounded 
victim, or for offal of any sort. 
“ And kites 
Fly o’er our heads, and downward look on us, 
As we wete sickly prey.” 
Fulius Cesar, Act v. Se. 1. 
“ Ere this 
I should have fatted all the region kites 
With this slave’s offal.” 
Hamlet, Act ii. Sc. 2. 
“ A prey for carrion kites.” 
Henry VI. Part II. Act v. Sc. 2. 
