A dispute arose between an oak and a willow over which was superior in strength, constancy, and patience. The oak upbraided the willow for being weak and wavering, yielding to every breeze. The willow offered no defense, saying only that the next tempest would settle the matter.
Soon after, a violent storm struck. The willow bent with the gusts, then sprang back unharmed. The oak, however, remained stubborn, choosing to break rather than bend.