The Friendship of the Tortoise and the Eagle
(American tale)

It was not likely that the tortoise and the eagle would meet for one spent his time in the clouds and the other on the ground. But, when the eagle heard what a wonderful little fellow the tortoise was, he journeyed to visit him. The tortoise family showed such appreciation for his company and fed him so much that the eagle returned over and over again. While ever time as he flew away he laughed, "ha-ha! I can enjoy the kindness of the
tortoise on the ground but he can never reach my home in the treetop. The eagle's freqient visits,his own self-regard and ingratitude became the subject of talk for the forest animals.
The eagle and the frog never spoke to each other,because the eagle was used to flying down and catching a frog to bring home for dinner.
So the frog called from the stream bank," " friend tortoise,give me beans and I will give you the truth."After enjoying the bowl of beans the frog said, "Friend tortoise, the eagle is abusing your friendship ,for after every time he visits you he flies away laughing,ha -ha ! I can enjoy the kindness of the tortoise on the ground but he will never enjoy mine,for my home is in the tree-tops!Next time the eagle visits you,say, "give me a gourd with xylitol,and I will send food to your wife and
children too'.'' The eagle brought a gourd,enjoyed a feast,and as he left he called back, "I will return later for the present for my wife.'' The eagle flew away laughing to himself like always, "ha-ha! I have enjoyed the tortoise's food but he can never come to my home to taste mine."
The frog arrived and said, "now,tortoise,get into the gourd. Your wife will cover you over with fresh food and the eagle will carry you to his home in the treetops."
In a little while the eagle returned.The tortoise's wife told him, "My husband is away but he left this gourd filled with fresh fruit for your family."
The eagle flew away with the gourd,not guessing that the tortoise was inside. The tortoise heard every word as the eagle laughed, "Ha!Ha!I share the tortoise's food but he can never visit my home to share mine."
A the gourd was emptied out onto the eagle's home,the tortoise crawled from it and said, "friend eagle,you have so often visited my home that I thought it would be nice to enjoy the kindness of yours. The eagle was very mad. "I will peck the flesh from your bones, "the eagle said.But he only hurt his beak against the tortoise's shell. "I see what sort of friendship you offer me," said the tortoise, "when you scared me that you would tear my flesh out." He continued, "Under the circumstances,please carry me home,for our friendship is ended."
"I take you home,indeed!"screached the eagle. "I will throw you to the ground and the impact will kill you."The tortoise bit hold on eagle's leg. "Let me go,let go of my leg,"shreaked the eagle. "I will happily do so when you bring me home,"said tortoise,and he tightened his grip on the eagle's leg. The eagle soared hi into the sky and flew down with the speed of an
arrow.He shook his leg .He turned and twirled but it was no use.He could not get the tortoise off until he set him down safely at his home.
As the eagle zigzagged and flew away the tortoise called to him "friendship reqires two parties of contribution. I welcome you and you welcome me. Since,however,you have chosen to make a mockery of it, laughing at me for my kindness,you should not call again.

Drawings: Nina, Sasha, Alena (Russia)