60.The Camel
WHEN MAN first saw the camel, he was so frightened at his large size that he ran away. After a time, perceiving that the beast was really meek and quite gentle, he summoned courage enough to approach him. Soon afterwards he found out he could domesticate the animal, and felt bold enough to put a bridle in his mouth, and to let a child drive him.
❖ Use serves to overcome dread, for good or bad.
59.The Camel and the Arab
AN ARAB camel-driver, after completing the loading of his camel, asked him which he would like best, to go up hill or down. The poor beast replied, not without a touch of reason:
“Why do you ask me? Is it that the level way through the desert is closed?”
❖ Many good ideas are born in idle minds.
58.The Camel and Jove
THE CAMEL, when he saw the bull adorned with horns, envied him and wished that he himself could win the same honors. He went to the protecting Jove, and besought him to give him horns. Jove, vexed at his request because he was not satisfied with his size and strength of body, and desired yet more, not only refused to give him horns, but even deprived him of a portion of his ears.
❖ Don’t ask for too much; your well-wisher may or may not get annoyed.
57.The Bundle of Sticks
An old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to bring in a faggot of sticks, and said to his eldest son, “Break it.” The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the bundle. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. “Untie the faggots,” said the father, “and each of you take a stick.” When they had done so, he called out to them, “Now, break,” and each stick was easily broken. “You see my meaning,” said their father.
# Union gives strength.
