THE KING OF THE BIRDS. 131 
her body, and she makes very little progress. 
She will have to pass the spot where the 
fierce birds are sitting; and her only refuge 
will be to plunge into the water, and dive 
out of sight. But just at this moment the 
eagle starts from his perch, and gives a scream 
that is full of terror to the ear of the poor 
swan. He glides through the air like a falling 
star, and quick as lightning darts beneath her, 
so that she may not drop into the river. She 
mounts upwards, doubles about, and tries 
every means to elude him. But her courage 
soon fails her ; each time she attempts to 
force her way to the stream, she is met by 
the savage glance and threatening talons of 
the eagle. She may well give up all hope of 
escape. It is an unequal contest, and cannot 
last long ; the fate of the poor swan is sealed ! 
The eagle, like all the birds of prey, is 
armed by nature with peculiar terrors to his vic- 
tim ; and the swan has almost ceased to breathe, 
when he seizes, and drags her to the shore. 
Then the female eagle, who has taken no 
part in the conflict, comes to share the booty ; 
and together they regale themselves on their 
prize. 
