The Tree and the Reeds

A strong Oak Tree stood on the bank of a river. One day a fierce Wind tore it up by the roots and cast it into the stream. As it was floating away it called out to the Reeds, and asked them how it happened that they had not been blown down also.

"It is very strange," said the Tree, "that I who am so large and strong, and who battled so hard with the Wind, should be beaten and overcome, while you who are so weak and slender should escape."

"It is because you battled with the Wind that you were rooted up," answered the Reeds. "We do not battle with him; we bow before him, and so he passes us by and never harms us."