The Two Goats

Two proud Goats meet on a fallen tree that is the only way across a deep chasm, and neither will stand aside for the other. They push horn to horn in the middle until they both tumble into the roaring torrent and scramble out far downstream, soaked to the skin.

Scene 1: The Deep Chasm

The Two Goats. Two Goats were frisking gaily on the rocky steeps of a mountain valley. By chance they met, one on each side of a deep chasm. Far below, a mighty mountain torrent roared through it.

Scene 2: The Narrow Log

The trunk of a fallen tree was the only way across. It was so narrow that not even two squirrels could have passed each other safely. That narrow path would have made the bravest tremble. But not these two Goats! Their pride would not let either one stand aside for the other.

Scene 3: Horn to Horn

One Goat set her foot on the log. The other Goat did the same. In the middle, they met horn to horn. Neither one would give way. They pushed, and they shoved, until the log shook… and they both fell!

Scene 4: Swept Away

Splash! Down into the roaring torrent they tumbled, and the water swept them away. Far down the valley, they scrambled out at last, cold and soaked to the skin. Neither Goat had crossed the chasm after all. It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through stubbornness.

Moral: It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through stubbornness.

Questions about The Two Goats

More stories to read aloud

• The Lion and the Mouse — A Lion catches a little Mouse but laughs and lets her go when she promises to repay him.
• The Hare and the Tortoise — A boastful Hare laughs at the slow Tortoise, so the Tortoise challenges him to a race.
• Belling the Cat — The Mice hold a council and a young Mouse has a clever plan: hang a bell about the Cat’s neck.