So they went to Dark Sage, an owl that lived in an old tower, to have their claims discussed and settled.
Dark Sage said, “You must do as I bid, that I may form an opinion.”
“Agreed!” cried both.
“Then,” said Dark Sage, “cross yonder river, and bring me the mangoes on the great tree beyond.”
Off went Grand Tusk and Nimble, but when they came to the stream, which was flowing full, Nimble held back; but Grand Tusk took him up on his back, and swam across in a very short time. Then they came to the mango-tree, but it was very lofty and thick. Grand Tusk could neither touch the fruit with his trunk, nor could he break the tree down to gather the fruit. Up sprang Nimble, and in a trice let drop a whole basketful of rich ripe mangoes. Grand Tusk gathered the fruit up into his capacious mouth, and the two friends crossed the stream as before.
“Now,” said Dark Sage, “which of you is the better? Grand Tusk crossed the stream, and Nimble gathered the fruit.” Each thing in its place is best.
THE CROW AND THE DAWN
A Crow that lived on a tree by a great city in the East thought that the day dawned because of his cawing. One day he said to himself, “How important I am! But for my care, I confess, the world would get into a mess.”
He had a mind to see how the world would fare if for it he did not care. So toward day-dawn he shut his eyes, and slept away without cawing. Then he awoke, and found the sun shining as bright as ever on the great city.