FABLE XCIX
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there were two pots. One was made of shiny brass. It shone in the sun. The other was made of soft clay. It was brown and plain. They were in a river. The river moved fast. It pushed them along. It carried the pots along.
The Brass Pot was big and strong. It moved well in the water. It did not fear the river. It was not afraid. The Clay Pot was small. It was soft and weak. It moved with care. It felt the strong water. Clay Pot stayed far. It wanted to be safe. It did not want to break. It feared breaking.
The Brass Pot saw the Clay Pot. It moved near. It wanted to talk. "Come closer, friend!" it called. "Do not be scared. I am very strong. I will be gentle. We will not touch. I will keep you safe." Brass Pot wanted friends. It liked the Clay Pot.
The Clay Pot heard the Brass Pot. It was very wise. It knew its own body. It knew it was not strong. It was made of soft clay. "I cannot come closer," it said. "Thank you, kind friend. But I must stay far. It is safer for me." It wanted safety.
"If we touch, I will break. You are very strong. You will be fine. But I am soft clay. The river pushes hard. It pushes us along. If we bump, I will break. You will not break. I do not want to break." Clay Pot knew this.
The Brass Pot understood. It moved away a bit. Clay Pot stayed safe. It floated down the river. Brass Pot floated too. They stayed apart. So, the Clay Pot stayed safe. Know what is best for you. At times, play with friends like you.
Original Story
FABLE XCIX.
THE TWO POTS.
Two Pots, of different size and matter made,
Were swiftly down a rolling stream convey'd.
The larger vessel, form'd of solid brass,
Did boldly o'er the rapid water pass;
While that whose substance was but brittle clay,
Would, for his safety, give the stronger way.
Him the Brass Pot invited to draw near,
And said, "His frailty need not cause his fear;
For he, with just precaution would prevent
The danger of their jostling as they went."
The Earthen Pot, that knew his weaker frame,
Excused himself, that he no nearer came;
And said, "My friend, if the impetuous tide
Should dash my clay against your brazen side,
By the hard fate of that unequal stroke,
While you are whole, I shall be surely broke."
MORAL.
Men safest still in equal friendship live,
Where they can do no harm, and none receive;
The strong, by power led to insult the weak,
With every touch the brittle vessels break;
While they, abused and injured by the strong,
Must, without remedy, sustain the wrong.
Story DNA
Moral
It is safest to associate with equals, as unequal friendships can lead to the weaker party being harmed by the stronger, even unintentionally.
Plot Summary
Two pots, one made of strong brass and the other of fragile clay, are carried down a swift river. The Brass Pot, confident in its durability, invites the Earthen Pot to float closer, promising to avoid any collision. However, the Earthen Pot, understanding its own vulnerability, politely declines, explaining that even an accidental bump against the Brass Pot would shatter it while leaving the stronger pot unharmed. The story concludes with the Earthen Pot maintaining its safe distance, illustrating the wisdom of avoiding unequal friendships.
Themes
Emotional Arc
awareness to caution
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often served as didactic tools, conveying societal wisdom and ethical lessons through simple narratives.
Plot Beats (5)
- Two pots, one brass and one clay, are carried by a swift stream.
- The large Brass Pot moves boldly, while the brittle Earthen Pot tries to keep its distance for safety.
- The Brass Pot invites the Earthen Pot to come closer, promising to prevent any jostling.
- The Earthen Pot, aware of its fragility, declines the invitation.
- The Earthen Pot explains that if the strong current were to push its clay body against the Brass Pot, it would surely break, while the Brass Pot would remain whole.
Characters
The Brass Pot
A large, sturdy vessel, cylindrical in shape, with a wide mouth and a slightly tapered base. Its surface is smooth and polished, reflecting light with a warm, metallic sheen. It appears heavy and robust, designed to withstand considerable impact.
Attire: N/A (object)
Wants: To navigate the stream without incident, and perhaps to offer companionship or assistance to the weaker pot, though its understanding of 'assistance' is flawed.
Flaw: Overconfidence in its own strength, and a lack of empathy or understanding for the fragility of others, leading it to misjudge potential dangers.
Remains unchanged, its offer of 'friendship' is rejected, and it does not learn from the interaction, continuing to embody the 'strong' in the moral.
Confident, well-meaning (initially), somewhat oblivious to its own strength's potential harm, perhaps a little arrogant in its durability.
The Earthen Pot
A smaller, more delicate vessel, likely hand-thrown, with a rustic, unglazed surface. Its color is a natural, muted brown or terracotta. It appears lightweight and fragile, with visible imperfections in its clay body, suggesting its brittle nature.
Attire: N/A (object)
Wants: To survive the journey down the stream intact, avoiding any potential damage.
Flaw: Extreme fragility; its very substance makes it vulnerable to destruction.
Remains unchanged, successfully avoiding potential harm by asserting its boundaries and understanding the risks of unequal friendships.
Prudent, self-aware of its limitations, cautious, realistic, and wise in its assessment of danger.
Locations
Rapid Rolling Stream
A swiftly flowing body of water, likely a river or large creek, with a strong current that carries objects downstream. The water appears turbulent and powerful.
Mood: Dynamic, relentless, potentially dangerous due to the strong current.
The primary setting where the two pots travel and have their fateful conversation, illustrating the inherent danger of their proximity.