There happen'd a Controversy 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, than that the next Tempest should resolve that Question. Some very little while after this Dispute, it blew a very 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 than Bend.
A stiff and stubborn Ostinacy, is not so much Firmness and Resolution, as Wilfulness. A Wife and a Steady Man bends only in the Prospect of Rising again.Source:
L'Estrange 215.
Click here for a
SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images. This is an illustration for a story about an oak and a reed, rather than a willow - but I really like the way that Grandville has personified that tree!
M0731 Perry070
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