A Fowler caught a Partridge, and was about to kill him. The Partridge earnestly besought¹ him to spare his life, saying: "Pray, master, permit me to live, and I will entice² many Partridges to you in recompense for your mercy to me." The Fowler replied: "I shall now with the less scruple³ take your life, because you are willing to save it at the cost of betraying your friends and relations;" and without more ado he twisted his neck and put him in his bag with his other game.

Those who would sacrifice their friends to save themselves from harm are not entitled to mercy.