The Groundhog and the Hamster
After some doing, a groundhog was able to convince a small hamster to fit into an elaborate harness that connected both animals together at front and hind leg. Still, the hamster was high-strung and wary of a trick. He fidgeted nervously while the groundhog fastened all the many snaps, buckles, and straps and then began walking.
He and the frightened hamster proceeded to walk several miles that day and became rather adept at synchronizing their movements. Eventually the hamster calmed down when he realized that the groundhog meant no ill.
"If we do this tomorrow," the hamster said, "let's switch sides so we balance the workout and not have one side of our bodies over-developed." The groundhog convulsed with laughter at the thought of it. "Hahaha, my friend, see-I told you it wouldn't be so horrible."
"Well, I must admit . . . I was a little put-off at first that the harness was leather, but it was definitely enjoyable." He had liked it much more than he thought he would. He said goodbye to the groundhog and went home quite satisfied with the accomplishment."
Moral: Walking in lock-step together is its own reward.
The Cat and the Ass
Once there was a tom-cat who, unlike other felines, could not balance himself and had great difficulty traversing narrow pathways such as ledges or fences. He was obstinate, though, and would often attempt precarious maneuvers out of foolish pride.
One day the graceless cat, after a daring venture atop a high scaffolding, plummeted a great distance and landed hard on his back. A curious ass wearing a small, wrinkled beach-cap stood looking at him with its head turned sideways. After a moment it wondered aloud, "Do my eyes deceive me? You must surely be the clumsiest cat in the world! How can it be that you didn't land on all fours?"
The enraged cat leaped at the chuckling ass, biting its nose and landing a claw directly in the cornea. "My ineptitude is only surpassed by your nosy impertinence."
Moral: The gracelessness of an awkward cat is exceeded only by the clumsy oppressiveness of the uninvited inquirer.
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