The Two Goats on the Bridge

In a small green valley, there lived two proud goats. One belonged to a farmer on the east side of the valley, and the other belonged to a farmer on the west side. Both goats were strong, both had sharp curved horns, and both believed they were the finest goat in the whole valley.

A clear stream ran through the middle of the valley, and only one narrow wooden bridge crossed it. The bridge was so narrow that two goats could not pass each other side by side.

A Meeting in the Middle

One bright morning, both goats set out to the green fields on the other side of the stream. The east goat stepped onto the bridge from one end, and at the very same moment, the west goat stepped onto it from the other end. They met exactly in the middle.

"Step aside!" said the east goat. "I was here first."

"You step aside!" answered the west goat. "I am older and stronger than you."

Neither goat moved. Their eyes burned with pride.

Horns Clash

The Bridge Trembles

As the two goats pushed and shoved, the old wooden bridge began to creak and groan under their hooves. Planks rattled. Dust fell into the stream below. On the banks, the two farmers stopped their work and watched with wide eyes.

"Look at those foolish animals!" cried the east farmer, running to the bridge. "If they keep this up, they will break my bridge and drown themselves!"

His neighbor ran up beside him. "Mine is just as stubborn as yours," he said. "I told him a hundred times that pride never won a single battle."

The goats paid no attention. With a final furious clash of horns, they both tumbled into the cold water. The farmers fished them out, dripping and shivering, and led them home by the ears.

"If you do not move, I will push you into the water!" threatened the east goat, lowering his head.

"Try it!" cried the west goat, lowering his own head even lower.

And with a loud crash, their horns met. The bridge shook under their hooves. Back and forth they pushed, snorting and stamping, each one too proud to take a single step backward.

The Splash

Suddenly, with one great shove from both sides, the two goats lost their balance. Splash! Down they tumbled into the cold stream together, horns and all. They scrambled out onto the bank, wet, shivering, and ashamed. The two farmers, who had watched the whole silly fight, pulled them out of the water and shook their heads.

"All you had to do," laughed the east farmer, "was let one of you lie down while the other stepped over."

Moral of the Story

Stubborn pride helps no one. A little patience and kindness can save us from a great fall.