The Rat and the Elephant

The Rat and the Elephant is a children's fable by Aesop that tells the story of a tiny rat and a mighty elephant. The book details how the rat, though small, is able to help the elephant when it is in trouble, thereby teaching lessons of humility, friendship, and the fact that size does not determine ability or worth.

• Children

								
A Rat was traveling along the King's highway. He was a very proud
Rat, considering his small size and the bad reputation all Rats
have. As Mr. Rat walked along--he kept mostly to the ditch--he
noticed a great commotion up the road, and soon a grand
procession came in view. It was the King and his retinue.

The King rode on a huge Elephant adorned with the most gorgeous
trappings. With the King in his luxurious howdah were the royal
Dog and Cat. A great crowd of people followed the procession.
They were so taken up with admiration of the Elephant, that the
Rat was not noticed. His pride was hurt.

"What fools!" he cried. "Look at me, and you will soon forget
that clumsy Elephant! Is it his great size that makes your eyes
pop out? Or is it his wrinkled hide? Why, I have eyes and ears
and as many legs as he! I am of just as much importance, and"--

But just then the royal Cat spied him, and the next instant, the
Rat knew he was not quite so important as an Elephant.

A resemblance to the great in some things does not make us
great.
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