It is seldom that an elephant can be induced to pass over ground he
considers unsafe. Sometimes, however, a driver obtains such a mastery
over a timid animal, that he compels him to undertake what his better
sense would induce him to decline.
An elephant of this character was owned by a person residing in the
neighbourhood of Gyah. Between the house and the town was a small
bridge, over which the elephant had frequently passed. One day,
however, he refused to go over. He tried it with his trunk, evidently
suspecting that its strength was not sufficient to bear his weight.
Still, the obstinate driver urged him on with the sharp spear with which
elephants are driven. At length, with cautious steps he began the
passage, still showing an extreme unwillingness to proceed. As he
approached the centre, loud cracks were heard, when the treacherous
bridge gave way, and both elephant and rider were precipitated into the
stream below; the latter being killed by the fall, and the former, who
had proved himself the most sensible being of the two, being much
injured.
Let no force induce you to do what is wrong. All bad ways are like that
rotten bridge. When others attempt to goad you on to do evil, tell them
the story of the elephant and the rotten bridge.