One night a gorgeous balloon when his candle was lighted found himself
beside a dull brown acorn.
“What a stupid dolt you are to stay here where you cannot be seen!” he
cried, as someone sent him up into the air.
Higher and higher he mounted above the roofs of the houses. “Perhaps he
will reach the stars,” said the acorn, gazing up after him.
Just then the balloon turned giddy with pride. He reeled, caught fire,
and his brief splendor was over.
Years after, in the spot where the acorn had lain that night, a great oak
stood up toward heaven and spread his branches wide over the earth.