Category Archives: EUROPE
253.The Oak and the Reeds
A VERY LARGE OAK was uprooted by the wind and thrown across a stream. It fell among some reeds, which it thus addressed:
“I wonder how you, who are so light and weak, are not entirely crushed by these strong winds.”
They replied,
“You fight and contend with the wind, and consequently you are destroyed; while we on the contrary bend before the least breath of air, and therefore remain unbroken, and escape.”
❖ Stoop to conquer.
252.The Nurse and the Wolf
“BE quiet now,” said an old Nurse to a child sitting on her lap. “If you make that noise again I will throw you to the Wolf.”
Now it chanced that a Wolf was passing close under the window as this was said. So he crouched down by the side of the house and waited. “I am in good luck today,” thought he. “It is sure to cry soon, and a daintier morsel I haven’t had for many a long day.” So he waited, and he waited, and he waited, till at last the child began to cry, and the Wolf came forward before the window, and looked up to the Nurse, wagging his tail. But all the Nurse did was to shut down the window and call for help, and the dogs of the house came rushing out. “Ah,” said the Wolf as he galloped away,
“ENEMIES’ PROMISES WERE MADE TO BE BROKEN.”
251.The North Wind and the Sun
THE NORTH WIND and the sun disputed as to which was the most powerful, and agreed that he should be declared the victor who could first strip a wayfaring man of his clothes.
The north wind first tried his power and blew with all his might, but the keener his blasts, the closer the traveller wrapped his cloak around him, till at last, resigning all hope of victory, the wind called on the sun to see what he could do. The sun suddenly shone out with all his warmth. The traveller no sooner felt his genial rays than he took off one garment after another, and at last, fairly overcome with heat, undressed and bathed in a stream that lay in his path.
❖ Grand persuasion may work better than force.
250.The Mules and the Robbers
TWO MULES well-laden with packs were trudging along. One carried baskets filled with money, the other sacks weighted with grain. The mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect, as if conscious of the value of his burden, and tossed up and down the clear-toned bells fastened to his neck. His companion followed with quiet and easy step. All of a sudden Robbers rushed on them from their hiding-places, and in the scuffle with their owners, wounded with a sword the mule carrying the treasure, which they greedily seized while taking no notice of the grain. The mule which had been robbed and wounded bewailed his misfortunes. The other replied,
“I am indeed glad that I was thought so little of, for I have lost nothing, nor am I hurt with any wound.”
Because of GREED I have lost nothing, nor am I hurt with any wound.
