Here is a little story that came to mind in the early hours of the morning. As with these type of
stories the recipient may find in it, what is in it for him or her.
There was once a falcon to whom the king spoke in terms of endearment. Elated, the royal bird flew at his
behest from the forearm of the king. He flew high and far, beyond the reach of many another bird. In the
course of his flight he spotted a glittering treasure which he had not in his previous flights noticed. He circled
and dived, catching the glittering treasure in his claws. He saw the treasure had the mark of the king on it and
with delight he headed back to the king.
On the way he happened upon a flock of owls in a wilderness scratching at the earth for anything they could
find. 'How they waste their energies for such baubles', he reflected. Recalling the generosity of the king, he
was anxious to emulate this quality and swooped down depositing near the owls a precious jewel of great
worth from his treasure. In doing so a blade of straw that he had picked up inadvertently with the treasure fell
to earth nearby. He hovered in the air a while to see the result of his offering. To the falcon's delight the owls
advanced on the place. However delight turned to surprise as he saw the owls ignore the treasure deposited
and advanced in numbers on the piece of straw. They fought and fussed over the straw but the jewel of great
worth remained untouched. The falcon eventually left in some amazement and returned to the arm of the king.
There he related the tale to the king. The king, who naturally understood the language of the birds, stroked
his falcon. 'Do not be disappointed,' the king said, 'it was ever thus - let the treasure lie where it is, it may be
one day some young falcon who still labours under the impression it is an owl, will notice the treasure and
seeing my mark upon it will seek me out to return it to me, and thus gain his rightful place at my court. It is the
nature of owls to seek what is in accord with their nature. Perhaps next time you are moved to such an act you
should first wrap the treasure in an abundance of straw. My treasure is to be found in many places waiting for
those who recognise my mark upon it'