How to Train Your Sparrow Hawk

c. 1393

“From the moment your sparrow hawk is first placed on the fist, be careful that it not be upset by you or anyone else. Understand, my dear, that anything that happens unexpectedly, suddenly, and tempestuously—whether person, animal, rock, stool, stick, or anything else—disturbs and agitates it strongly… Any time that it holds or grips you, do not upset yourself or it. Rather, detach it gently, without agitating yourself or it, no matter what pain it inflicts on you, for if you vex it one single time, it will never again love you… at this point in the training of the hawk, it is more crucial than before to hold it on the fist and carry it to court and among people, to churches and other assembly places and through the street, and hold it on the fist continuously, day and night, as long as possible.”

Le Ménagier de Paris

Falconry is a rewarding hobby! Just make sure that you never put the bird down or make a sudden movement, even when its talons tear into your flesh during church, because then it will hate you forever.