The Earthen Pot and the Iron Pot

"The Earthen Pot and the Iron Pot" is a fable by Jean de La Fontaine that explores the tragic consequences of unequal relationships. The story presents an earthen pot and an iron pot trying to navigate their relationship, with the latter being stronger and the former fragile. Despite the iron pot's assurances of protection, the earthen pot shatters during their journey, signifying the inevitable failure of relationships where power is not equally shared.

• Fable

								
"Neighbour," said the Iron Pot,
    "Let us go abroad a little."
"Thank you, I would rather not,"
Was the answer that he got.
    Earthenware, you know, is brittle;
And the weaker Pot was wiser
Than to trust his bad adviser.

"Mighty well for you" said he;
    "Skin like yours can hardly suffer
Very much by land or sea,
That is clear; but, as for me,
    Stop till I'm a little tougher.
You may roam the wide world over;
I shall stay at home in clover."

"Friend!" the Iron Pot replied,
    "Don't let such a fear affect you;
I shall travel at your side:
So, whatever may betide,
    Cling to me, and I'll protect you."
Having won his friend's compliance,
Off they started in alliance.

Jigging, jogging, on they went,
    Knocking one against the other;
Till the Earthen Pot was sent
(Past the powers of cement)
    Into atoms by his brother.
'Twas his own imprudence, clearly,
That was paid for very dearly.

With our equals let us mate,
Or dread the weaker vessel's fate.
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