On the crumbling walls of the romantic ruins of Caernarvon Castle, some
years ago, two agile goats were seen,--now leaping over a rugged gap,
now climbing some lofty pinnacle, now browsing on the herbage
overhanging the perilous paths. Presently they approached each other
from opposite ends of one of the narrow intersecting walls. When they
met, finding that there was no room to pass, they surveyed each other
face to face for some minutes in perfect stillness. Each had barely
standing ground for his own feet. However, they tossed their heads with
menacing looks, often making slight feints of butting or pushing
forward; but they took care not to come into actual contact, knowing
well that the slightest force might precipitate one or both from their
perilous position. Neither could they attempt to walk backward or turn
round on so narrow a spot. Thus they again stood quite still for above
an hour, occasionally uttering low sounds, but neither of them moving.
At length they appeared to have settled the difficult point as to which
of the two should give way. The one which appeared the youngest lay
quietly down, while the other walked calmly over him, and pursued his
path contentedly.
Their example might well be followed by human beings in many of the
affairs of life, where a contest must prove destructive to both. Many a
bloody war might be averted, did nations imitate the example of these
two animals. Not, however, by bowing the neck to the yoke of a
conqueror, but by amicably settling differences. How many law-suits
might also be avoided by the same means.
And you, my young friends, understand that there is far more true
magnanimity and courage exhibited in giving way to others than in
battling for doubtful rights and privileges.