Finding that cranes were destroying his newly sown corn, a farmer
one evening set a net in his field to catch the destructive birds.
When he went to examine the net next morning he found
a number of cranes and also a stork.
“Release me, I beseech you,” cried the stork, “for I have eaten none of
your corn, nor have I done you any harm. I am a poor innocent stork,
as you may see – a most dutiful bird, I honor my father and mother.
I…”
But the farmer cut him short. “All this may be true enough, I dare say,
but I have caught you with those were destroying my crops, and you
must suffer with the company in which you are found.”
People are judged by the company they keep.