The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts

A great conflict arose between the Birds and the Beasts, and each side fought fiercely. The Bat, being somewhat of both and neither, did not know which side to join. When the Beasts seemed to be winning, the Bat joined them, saying, I am a four-footed creature like you — see my fur and my teeth.

But when the tide of battle turned and the Birds began to gain the upper hand, the Bat secretly went over to their camp. Look at my wings, he said. I am one of you — a creature of the air.

At last the war ended in a truce. But when peace was declared, both sides turned on the Bat. The Beasts said, You abandoned us when we were losing. And the Birds said, You only joined us when we were winning. Neither side would have him.

From that day on, the Bat has been compelled to hide in dark corners and fly only at night, shunned by all. Those who try to be on both sides end up with no side at all.