The Hare and the Tortoise

The Hare had the fastest legs in the meadow, and he knew it. He loved to run, and he loved even more to boast about his running.

One morning he met the Tortoise plodding slowly along the path.

"Good morning, Tortoise," said the Hare. "My, you are slow."

"Good morning," said the Tortoise. "I am slow. But I will race you to the old oak tree at the top of the hill — and I believe I will win."

The Hare laughed so hard he had to sit down. "You? Win? Against me?" He shook his ears with delight. "Very well! Let's race!"

They lined up at the start. A Fox said "Go!" and they were off.

The Hare shot away like an arrow. In no time at all, he was halfway up the hill. He looked back and saw the Tortoise far, far behind, plodding one step at a time.

"I have plenty of time," said the Hare. "I'll take a little rest." He lay down in the warm grass under a shady tree and closed his eyes.

He fell fast asleep.

The Tortoise plodded on. One step, then another, then another. She did not hurry. She did not stop. She just kept going.

When the Hare woke up and stretched and yawned and remembered the race, he ran as fast as he could — but the Tortoise was already at the old oak tree, waiting for him.

"You were asleep," said the Tortoise.

"I was," said the Hare, ears down.

"Slow and steady," said the Tortoise, and she smiled.