What is the air-speed velocity of a laden eagle? [u]Zero[/u] .
Sad story. Ah well, live and learn or don’t and die.
For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.
With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest country of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country…
I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.
I’m with Benjamin Franklin on this and now we can add not all that bright to the list.
Power ines aside, it still wasn’t a bright idea.
Imagine if he had made it back to the nest. His mate would have taken one look:
“Ohh No!. No way! What is it with you? You go out and just sit around with your buddies all day and then drag that thing back here and expect ME to clean it? Uh, HUH! You want to eat it, YOU clean it! And don’t even think of cleaning it here!! Take it outside the nest! Now!”
