The Tree and the Reed

‘Well, little one,' said a Tree to a Reed that was growing at its foot, ‘why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground, and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?'

‘I am contented with my lot,' said the Reed. ‘I may not be so grand, but I think I am safer.'

‘Safe!' sneered the Tree. ‘Who shall pluck me up by the roots or bow my head to the ground?' But it soon had to repent of its boasting, for a hurricane arose which tore it up from its roots, and cast it a useless log on the ground, while the little Reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

Obscurity often brings safety.