A hungry Eagle spotted a large Snake heating itself upon a large rock warmed by the sun.
He dived down and seized the exposed snake in his talons and pleased with his large meal, quickly flew high up into the air. But the Serpent gathered itself and then turned about biting the Eagle causing a fatal poisoned wound.

As the Eagle felt the agony of the poison overtake him and knowing what was about to happen, said to the Snake – But why have you bitten me after I have flown so high into the sky. Surely you know that my death would also be yours, as you will not survive the fall. My happiness in finding an easy meal has become the cause of both our demise.

The Serpent replied – “you have only considered what you would have done, without taking into account what I am. I bit you because it is my nature to do so – not to think what the consequences would be that follows”.

And the Moral of the story is:
Do not test another’s nature presuming to know what their response will be.
Your actions could lead to the downfall of all.

Aesop c. 600 B.C.