The Mouse and the Bull


Summary

This story centers around a bull and a mouse, illustrating a classic theme of deceptive appearances and undersized might against colossal strength. The bull, seemingly powerful and invincible, is initially caught off guard and angered by the tiny mouse that bites him. Despite his seemingly formidable strength, the bull is unable to penetrate the mouse's safe haven in the wall, exhausting his efforts and resorting to sleep. In a turn of events, the mouse emerges again to deliver another sneaky bite, leaving the bull bewildered and displaying the mouse's commentary on the scenario: that even the small and seemingly powerless can sometimes outwit and outmaneuver the great and mighty. This tale underscores the idea that size and strength do not always ensure victory.

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A Bull was bitten by a Mouse and, angered by the wound, tried to capture him. But the Mouse reached his hole in safety. Though the Bull dug into the walls with his horns, he tired before he could rout out the Mouse, and crouching down, went to sleep outside the hole. The Mouse peeped out, crept furtively up his flank, and again biting him, retreated to his hole. The Bull rising up, and not knowing what to do, was sadly perplexed. At which the Mouse said, “The great do not always prevail. There are times when the small and lowly are the strongest to do mischief.”