Need Help Finding an Old Short Story

[NashVegas]

One for DU's literary historians. This tale I read back around 1970, though lord knows how old it really is.

Story has a medieval Chinese Emperor and one of his lackeys walking outdoors and they spot a man on a hanglider (a kite in the story). They philosophize for a bit about the flying man's freedom, and eventually the Emperor has the kite rider offed because he doesn't want him spreading any dangerous ideas.

I figure it was probably schoolbook propaganda, but ya never know.

Help?

[Shanty Oilish]

1. Think Ray Bradbury

Still maybe propaganda, but...

[NashVegas]

2. Ooch, Thanks!

I read that in, like, 3rd grade and it's just one of those that stays with you, isn't it?

[Shanty Oilish]

4. That's what I'm here for

Or so they tell me... :)

[tkmorris]

3. Yep, Bradbury

The Flying Machine if that is the one. It's in this collection, among others. http://www.best-book-price.co.uk/compare-book-price-code-0671017888.html

[NashVegas]

5. Yeah

I found the text on a website somewhere.

Thanks.