The tortoise and the eagle rarely met, as one lived in the clouds and the other under a bush. Hearing of the tortoise's warm heart, the eagle visited him. The tortoise's family welcomed him lavishly, and the eagle returned often. Each time he flew away, he laughed, "Ha, ha! I enjoy the tortoise's hospitality, but he can never reach my treetop eyrie!"
The eagle's selfish ingratitude became forest gossip. The frog, whom the eagle often swooped down on for supper, called to the tortoise, "Give me beans, and I'll give you wisdom." After eating, the frog revealed the eagle's mockery and advised, "Next time, ask the eagle for a gourd, promising food for his family in return."
The eagle brought a gourd, feasted, and left, laughing as usual about the tortoise's inability to visit his home. The frog then told the tortoise to hide inside the gourd, which his wife covered with food.
When the eagle returned for the "gift," the tortoise's wife gave him the gourd. Unaware of the tortoise inside, the eagle carried it home, still laughing. Once emptied at the eyrie, the tortoise crawled out and said, "Friend eagle, I thought I'd enjoy your hospitality too."
Furious, the eagle threatened to peck him but only hurt his beak on the tortoise's hard shell. "I see your friendship," said the tortoise, ending their pact and asking to be taken home.
"I'll fling you down!" shrieked the eagle. The tortoise bit his leg. "Let go!" groaned the eagle. "Only when I'm home," replied the tortoise, tightening his grip. The eagle soared high and darted down, shaking and twirling, but to no avail. He finally set the tortoise down safely.
As the eagle flew off, the tortoise called, "Friendship requires both sides. I welcomed you, but you mocked my hospitality. Do not call again."