The Hare and the Tortoise - Story

The Hare and the Tortoise

Short Story on "The Hare and the Tortoise"

Once, a hare and a tortoise lived in a wilderness. They were fast friends and whiled away the days together. The hare, proud of his swiftness, often ridiculed the tortoise for his short feet and slow pace. One day, the tortoise got annoyed at his constant mockery and scathing remarks.

I bet I will beat you in a race’
The tortoise said, ‘to yonder place.’

Startled by the claim, the hare accepted the challenge. They fixed a tree at the foot of a yonder hill as the winning point. The race commenced and the hare dashed off with flying speed. In no time, he disappeared in the distance. After he had covered half of the distance, be caught sight of a cool shady tree. Suddenly, it flashed through his mind why he should not have a rest for a short time. He was sure that the tortoise should be lagging far behind. Supposing this he lay down in the velvety cradle of meadow grass under the shady tree. The tender strokes of cool breeze rocked his tired body. Soon he went off to sleep in the arms of Morpheus. On the other hand, the tortoise was extremely exhausted but he continued to go onward with steady step.

He reached the place where the hare was enjoying profoundly sound sleep. He quietly passed by the sleeping hare and went his way with new fervor. Ultimately his perseverance brought him the sweet fruit of victory. When the hare woke up, the sun was kissing the horizon. Embarrassed by the idea of losing race, he ran as fast as he could but to no avail. He reached the winning point but was enormously ashamed to find the tortoise there. The tortoise said:

‘Didn’t’, he cried, ‘I tell you true’
What’s the use of speed to you?
I have won the race. Where’d you be?
If you’d carry a house like me

After this humiliation, the hare decided never to mock anyone in future.

Moral :
Slow and steady wins the race.
Never make fun of others.
Perseverance is the key to success
Success is for those who sleep after the completion of their work.
Pride hath a fall.
Nothing succeeds like success.

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