The Wolf and His Shadow
Long ago a grey wolf lived near an old, cool forest. Each sunset he walked alone on a high hill. The evening sun dropped its orange light gently on the trees. The wind carried pine scents, and the birds went home. At this hour the forest was very quiet and peaceful.
As the sun sank, his shadow grew longer and longer. The proud wolf stopped and admired his huge shadow. "What a giant and strong animal I am!" he said. "With such a shadow, I fear no lion now!" "I am the real king of the forest," he thought. The proud wolf walked toward the hill with giant steps.
Just then a huge lion came out of the bushes. The lion attacked his small body with one heavy paw. His shadow lied, and the wolf fell to the ground. Under the lion's paw the wolf remembered his true size. He learned with pain that empty pride brings great disaster. We must never forget our real power for false greatness. However tall the tree grows, it never reaches the sky.