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An Oak that grew on the bank of a river was uprooted by a severe

gale of wind, and thrown across the stream. It fell among some

Reeds growing by the water, and said to them, "How is it that

you, who are so frail and slender, have managed to weather the

storm, whereas I, with all my strength, have been torn up by the

roots and hurled into the river?" "You were stubborn," came the

reply, "and fought against the storm, which proved stronger than

you: but we bow and yield to every breeze, and thus the gale

passed harmlessly over our heads."

THE BLIND MAN AND THE CUB

There was once a Blind Man who had so fine a sense of touch that,

when any animal was put into his hands, he could tell what it was

merely by the feel of it. One day the Cub of a Wolf was put into

his hands, and he was asked what it was. He felt it for some

time, and then said, "Indeed, I am not sure whether it is a

Wolf's Cub or a Fox's: but this I know--it would never do to

trust it in a sheepfold."