The Reed and the Olive Tree

The reed and the olive tree were arguing over their endurance, their strength, their steadfastness. The olive reproached the reed for its weakness and the ease with which it yielded to every wind. The reed kept silent and said not a word. Before long the wind began to blow violently. The reed, shaken and bent by the gusts, came through unharmed; but the olive, resisting the wind, was snapped by its force.