An _Oak_ and a _Willow_.
There happen’d a Controversie betwixt an _Oak_ and a _Willow_, upon the
Subject of Strength, Constancy, and Patience, and which of the Two should
have the Preference. The _Oak_ Upbraided the _Willow_, that it was Weak
and Wavering, and gave way to Every Blast. The _Willow_ made no Other
Reply, then that the next Tempest should Resolve That Question. Some very
little while after This Dispute, it Blew a Violent Storm. The _Willow_
Ply’d, and gave way to the Gust, and still recover’d it self again,
without receiving any Damage: But the _Oak_ was Stubborn, and chose
rather to _Break_ then _Bend_.
The MORAL.
_A Stiff and a Stubborn Obstinacy, is not so much Firmness, and
Resolution, as Wilfulness. A Wise and a Steady Man, bends only in the
Prospect of Rising again._