The Tree and the Reed

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The Tree and the Reed
            "Well, little one," said a Tree to a Reed that was growing at
            its foot, "why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground,
            and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?"
            "I am contented with my lot," said the Reed.  "I may not be so
            grand, but I think I am safer."
            "Safe!" sneered the Tree.  "Who shall pluck me up by the roots
            or bow my head to the ground?"  But it soon had to repent of its
            boasting, for a hurricane arose which tore it up from its roots,
            and cast it a useless log on the ground, while the little Reed,
            bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when
            the storm had passed over.
            Obscurity often brings safety.