<SPAN name="THE_OAK_AND_THE_REEDS"></SPAN>
<h2>THE OAK AND THE REEDS</h2>
<br/>
<p>An Oak that grew on the bank of a river was uprooted by a severe
gale of wind, and thrown across the stream. It fell among some
Reeds growing by the water, and said to them, "How is it that you,
who are so frail and slender, have managed to weather the storm,
whereas I, with all my strength, have been torn up by the roots and
hurled into the river?" "You were stubborn," came the reply, "and
fought against the storm, which proved stronger than you: but we
bow and yield to every breeze, and thus the gale passed harmlessly
over our heads."</p>
<br/>
<br/>
<hr>
<br/>
<br/>
<div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />