An Oak, which hung over the bank of a river, was blown down by a
violent storm of wind, and as it was carried along by the stream, some
of its boughs brushed against a Reed which grew near the shore. This
struck the Oak with a thought of admiration, and he could not forbear
asking the Reed how he came to stand so secure and unhurt, in a tempest
which had been furious enough to tear up an Oak by the roots? Why, says
the Reed, I secure myself by a conduct the reverse of yours: instead
of being stubborn and stiff, and confiding in my strength, I yield
and bend to the blast, and let it go over me, knowing how vain and
fruitless it would be to resist.