The Tree and the Reed

: Aesop's Fables

"Well, little one," said a Tree to a Reed that was growing at

its foot, "why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground,

and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?"



"I am contented with my lot," said the Reed. "I may not be so

grand, but I think I am safer."



"Safe!" sneered the Tree. "Who shall pluck me up by the roots

or bow my head to the ground?" But it soon had to repent of its

boasting, for a hurricane arose which tore it up from its roots,

and cast it a useless log on the ground, while the little Reed,

bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when

the storm had passed over.



Obscurity often brings safety.



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