Aesop | Greece
The Swallow, The Serpent, and The Court of Justice
A Swallow builds a nest on the Court of Justice, but a Serpent cruelly devours her eggs, leaving her devastated and questioning justice.
In a bustling city, stood the Court of Justice, a symbol of fairness for the people. High upon the roof of this noble place, a Swallow chose to make her nest.
The Swallow worked hard each day, gathering bits of straw and twigs to craft a snug and warm home for her eggs. Her heart fluttered with joy as she laid her eggs, anticipating the day they would hatch into her babies.
One day, a Serpent slithered into the Court of Justice. His eyes sparkled at the sight of the Swallow's nest resting high on the roof of the Court of Justice. With a mischievous glint, he began to climb the walls, unseen by those inside the court. As he reached the nest, the Swallow was away searching for food.
The Serpent, with a cruel smirk, devoured the Swallow's eggs. Then, just as silently as he had climbed, he slithered back down, leaving the empty nest behind.
When the Swallow returned, she found her nest empty. She cried out in anguish, her heart shattering at the loss of her babies. Her cries echoed throughout the Court of Justice, yet her pleas were unheard.
She couldn't understand how this could happen at the very place where others sought and found justice. Her nest, her home, was on the building of justice, yet she had received none. The Swallow wept on top of the Court of Justice, mourning her babies and the injustice she had suffered.
