A birdcatcher was about to sit down to a dinner of herbs when afriend unexpectedly came in. The bird-trap was quite empty, ashe had caught nothing, and he had to kill a pied partridge, whichhe had tamed for a decoy. The bird entreated1 earnestly for hislife: "What would you do without me when next you spread yournets? who would chirp2 you to sleep, or call for you the covey ofanswering birds?' the birdcatcher spared his life, and determinedto pick out a fine young cock just attaining3 to his comb. butthe cock expostulated in piteous tones from his perch: "If youkill me, who will announce to you the appearance of the dawn? Who will wake you to your daily tasks or tell you when it is timeto visit the bird-trap in the morning? ' he replied, "What you sayis true. you are a capital bird at telling the time of day. butmy friend and I must have our dinners." 
Necessity knows no law. 