The Kid and the Wolf
Once upon a time, in an enchanting mountain village where the cool waters flowed with a languid grace, there lived a sweet little kid. This little kid spent most of his time leaping over the steep cliffs and chewing the freshest grass. Yet he was known less for his courage than for his curiosity and his somewhat arrogant manner. One late afternoon, as the sun slipped behind the high cliffs like a crimson veil, the kid climbed to the top of a steep roof. Watching the valley from that height filled his tiny heart with a strange pride and a strange ambition. Just then, a cunning and hungry wolf, emerging from the depths of the valley, began to pass beneath the roof with heavy steps. Seeing the wolf's imposing shadow, the kid suddenly took heart, trusting in the height of the place where he stood.
He puffed out his chest, looked down at the wolf and began to shout with an insolent, mocking air. “Hey there, dreadful hunter of the forest! Let us see whether you can escape me!” he called out. The wolf paused at this insolent voice and raised his head. Continuing to mock, the kid boasted, “You clumsy creature, you can never reach me now!” These heavy insults, ringing through the valley, struck a sly spark in the wolf's keen eyes. Yet the experienced wolf, without growing angry at all, drew a deep breath and answered in a calm voice. Looking at the kid who stood proudly on the high roof, the wolf gave a bitter smile.
“It is not you who shouts at me so recklessly, little kid,” he said calmly. “The only thing that makes you so daring is that high roof beneath your feet,” he added. The courage of cowards who hide behind a safe shelter is nothing but an illusion. After these wise words, the wolf turned away and vanished silently into the depths of the valley. Left alone up on high, the kid understood his mistake and fell silent in shame. True courage is standing firm right in the face of danger, not hiding behind the height one takes refuge in. Every cock is brave on his own dunghill.