English Original
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.
中文翻译
橡树和柳树就谁在力量、坚韧和耐力上更胜一筹发生了争执。橡树责骂柳树软弱、摇摆不定，连一丝微风都能让它屈服。柳树没有辩解，只是说下一场暴风雨自会给出答案。
不久之后，一场猛烈的风暴袭来。柳树随风弯曲，随后安然无恙地恢复原状。而橡树却固执己见，宁愿折断也不愿弯腰。