A flock of geese flew down to a beach where a crow was hopping around. The crow watched them with disgust. “How gracelessly you fly!” he said to the geese, “All you know is how to flap your wings. Let us have a flying competition.” One of the geese took up the challenge. The crow performed a variety of acrobatic acts in the air and flew down, cawing triumphantly. Now it was the goose’s turn. He launched himself into the air and began flying over the sea. The crow flew after him, mocking him about his manner of flying. Water stretched endlessly on all sides. Eventually, the crow became so tired that he found it hard to stay in the air. The goose, pretending to be unaware of his plight, said, “Why do you keep touching the water? Is it some trick?” “No,” squawked the crow, “I am in trouble. Help me, please!” The goose took pity on him and with the crow on his shoulders, flew back to the shore.
The Boastful Crow
