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Speaker 1: Hello, and welcome back to Sleepy Stories. I'm your host, Lucy,

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and my friends and I will be reading you a

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sleepy bedtime story every week to relax you and to

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help you to drift off into a RESTful sleep. From

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time to time, we will also read you a relaxing,

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peaceful meditation that will take you somewhere beautiful and calming.

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Once we have read the stories, we will then read

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them a second time, but this time they will be

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ready even slower. This will help you to relax even more.

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Before we begin, I would like you to close your

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eyes and breathe in and out nice and deeply. Take

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a few seconds to inhale, and then hold your breath

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for a few seconds more, and then release and breathe out.

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Do this a few times if you need to. While

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you listen to the music and you listen to my voice,

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give yourself time to let your body relax and your

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mind settle. It's important that we allow time for us

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to feel safe, cozy, and completely at ease. And now

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it's time for this week's story. In a wide green

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valley bordered by hills and silver streams, there lived many

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animals who shared the woods, the meadows, and the cool

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shade of the old trees. Birds nested in the branches above,

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foxes moved quietly through the underbrush, Deer grazed in the

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open grass, and rabbits darted like quick thoughts through the

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morning mist. Among them all, no one was more famous

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for speed than Hair. Hair was swift as the wind,

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and proud of it. He could streak across the meadow

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before a leaf had time to fall to the ground.

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He could leap over roots, stones, and puddles with ease,

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and when he ran, his feet barely seemed to touch

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the earth. The younger animals admired him, and Hair admired

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himself even more. Whenever the animals gathered near the stream

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or in the clearing under the oak tree, Hare found

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a way to remind every one of his talent. Did

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you see me outrun my own shadow this morning? He

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would boast. No one in the valley can keep pace

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with me, he would say, stretching out on a sunny rock.

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Speed is the greatest gift in the world. At first,

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the others laughed, because a little pride in a gift

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is natural. But Hair spoke of it so often and

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with such scorn for others that even his friends grew

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tired of him. He did not merely praise his own speed.

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He mocked those who had less. The hedgehog, who walked

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with tiny, cautious steps, endured Hare's jokes in silence. The squirrel,

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though quick in the trees, was told he was only

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half fast, and only where branches do the work. Even deer,

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graceful and swift in his own right, avoided arguing with hair,

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for Hare's vanity made every conversation unpleasant. Of all the

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animals in the valley, none was slower than tortoise. Tortoise

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lived near the edge of the meadow, where the grass

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gave way to a patch of s sandy earth warmed

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by the sun. He was not large, and he was

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not strong in the way bear was strong, or clever

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in the way fox was clever.

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Speaker 2: His shell was old and worn smooth by years of weather.

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When he walked, he did so with a steady, little motion,

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one careful step and then another, as though he meant

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to place each foot exactly where it belonged. Tortoise never hurried,

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but neither did he stop. Once he had begun. He

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listened more than he spoke. He was polite to all creatures,

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even those who were foolish. And though the young animals

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often giggled at how long it took him to cross

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even a short stretch of ground, Tortoise never seemed defended.

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He only blinked slowly and continued on his way. One

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bright morning in early spring, the animals gathered in the

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clearing under the great oak. The air smelled of damp

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leaves and wild flowers, and the light spilled through the

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branches in broad golden beams. Hair was there, of course,

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entertaining a circle of listeners. I tell you, Hare said loudly,

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there is no sport left for me in this valley.

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I run too fast for every one. A race with

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any of you would be over before it began. Not

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every contest is won by speed alone, said Owl from

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a branch above. Hare laughed, that is exactly what slow

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creatures say. A few animals exchanged glances. They were weary

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of hares boasting, but no one wished to quarrel. Just then,

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Tortoise came slowly into the clearing, carrying a few clover

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leaves he had gathered for breakfast. Tear noticed him at once,

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and a mischievous grin spread across his face. Well, look

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who arrives at last, Hare cried, careful, Tortoise, if you

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move any slower, the grass will grow over your feet.

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A few young rabbits snickered. Tortoise raised his head and

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regarded Hair calmly. Good morning, hair, he said, Hare hopped

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in a circle around him. Tell me, Tortoise, how long

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did it take you to come from your home since

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sunrise yesterday? Tortoise did not answer at once. He placed

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his clover on the ground and looked around at the others,

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whose faces showed him embarrassment more than amusement. Then he said,

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long enough to arrive. There was a murmur among the animals.

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Squirrel hid a smile behind his paws. Hair twitched his

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nose long enough to arrive. Hair repeated, mockingly, A noble

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philosophy for one who has never known what it means

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to move. Tortoise studied Hair's restless feet, his eager eyes,

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the easy confidence that bordered on cruelty. You are very fast,

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Tortoise said, I am the fastest creature here. Hair replied. Then,

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perhaps said Tortoise, you would race me. At this The

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whole clearing fell silent. Hair stared and then burst into

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such loud laughter that two crows flew out of the

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nearby bushes in alarm. You, Hare gasped, Race me, if

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you are willing, said tortoise. The rabbits rolled on the grass,

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Squirrel nearly fell from a low branch. Even deer looked astonished,

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though he quickly masked it. This is too much, Hare said,

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wiping his eyes with one paw, you challenge me, Why, Tortoise,

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By the time you take ten steps, I shall be

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at the finish, eating lunch, and half way through a nap.

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Then you should have no reason to refuse. Tortoise answered.

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That reply silenced the laughter for a moment. Fox, who

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enjoyed any event likely to stir excite, stepped forward. A

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race should have witnesses and a proper course, he said, smoothly.

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If this challenge is real, let it be settled fairly.

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It is real, said tortoise. Hare puffed out his chest gladly.

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I will race him. It may amuse me for an

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hour or longer, muttered Badger. The animals quickly agreed upon

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a course. The race would begin at the old oak

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in the clearing, continue along the meadow path, curve around

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the Hill of Time, cross a shallow brook by the

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flat stones, and end at the big willow near the pond.

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It was not a difficult route, but it was long

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enough for a proper contest. Fox was chosen to act

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as judge. Owl would watch from above. Deer and squirrel

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would stand at different points along the path to make

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sure no one strayed. By noon the race would begin.

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The valley buzzed with excitement. Words spread to every burrow,

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nest and den. By the appointed hour, the clearing was crowded.

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Birds perched on branches, Mice peeped from the grass. Even

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the usually solemn heron came from the marsh to witness

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the absurd spectacle. Hair stood at the starting place, flexing

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his legs and grinning at his admirers. Tortoise stood beside him,

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quiet as ever, his face unreadable. Fox raised his tail.

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When I drop my tail, he announced, the race begins.

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Hair leaned close to Tortoise and said, in a voice

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meant to sting. Do try not to lose sight of

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me at once. Tortoise replied, I will keep my eyes

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on the path. Fox dropped his tail. Hair shot forward

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like an arrow loosed from a bow. A cheer rose

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from the crowd. In an instant, he was far down

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the meadow path, kicking up dust and scattering clover blossoms.

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Tortoise began as he always did, one steady step, then another.

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The contrast was so great that many animals laughed again.

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Some wandered away from the starting line almost at once,

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certain they already knew the outcome. Hare reached the hill

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of time within moments. He glanced back and could barely

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see the clearing behind me. Tortoise was nowhere near. Hair

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slowed to an easy jog, then to a hop, then

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stopped altogether. This is less a race, he said aloud,

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than a waiting game. He sat on a smooth stone

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and cleaned one ear with his hind foot. Soon, squirrel,

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stationed in a nearby tree, called down. Why have you stopped, Hair,

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because there is no need to rush, Hair, replied, Tortoise

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will not reach this spot until the moon rises. Squirrel

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said nothing. He had seen enough of Hare's pride to

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know it never learned from advice. After a few minutes,

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Hare rose and bounded farther along the course until he

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reached the brook. There he drank some water, admired his reflection,

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and imagined how impressed the others would be when he

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won with ridiculous ease. Perhaps he thought he might even

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cross the finish line backward, just to prove he could. Meanwhile,

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Tortoise moved along the path. He heard no cheers. Now

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the crowd was far behind him. The sun was warm

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on his shell. Grasshoppers sprang out of his way, and

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bees drifted lazily over the flowers. Step by step, Tortoise

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followed the curve of the meadow. He did not think

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of Hare's laughter. He did not think of how far remained.

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He thought only of the next piece of ground. One

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step and then another. At the hill of time, Tortoise

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passed the stone where Hare had rested. Squirrel leaned down

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and said quietly. You are far behind, yes, said tortoise.

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But you keep going, Yes, said tortoise again, and went

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on far ahead. Hare had crossed the brook and reached

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a shady grove, not far from the willow that marked

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the finish line. Through the trees, he could almost glimpse

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the pond beyond. There was still no sign of tortoise.

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Hare laughed to himself, I have so much time, he said,

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that I might as well enjoy it. In the grove

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grew soft moss beneath the trees, and the shade was cool.

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A warm breeze stirred the leaves overhead, hair stretched out,

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folding his paws behind his head. I shall rest only

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a moment, he said, Then I will finish at my leisure.

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He listened to the wind whispering through the branches, to

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the murmur of water near the pond, to the distant

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hum of insects in the grass. The earth was comfortable,

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the air mild. His eyes grew heavy. A moment, Hare

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murmured again, then he slept back on the course. Tortoise

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crossed the brook. Deer, who watched near by, lowered his

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head in surprise. You are still going, dear, said, Of course,

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said tortoise. Did you not expect Hare to finish long ago?

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Tortoise stepped from one flat stone to the next. What

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I expect changes nothing, he replied. Deer watched him disappear

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up the path and felt for the first time that

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this race was not as simple as it had seemed.

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The afternoon wore on. More animals drifted toward the willow

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to await the finish. Some came merely to laugh. When

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Hare finally arrived, others had begun to wonder why he

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was taking so long. Fox paced near the line, tail

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flicking with impatience. Owl circled overhead, scanning the path. Then

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from the edge of the grove tortoise emerged. A murmur

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spread through the crowd. He was alone. Where is Hare?

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Whispered the field mice. Fox stared, surely he must be

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just behind. Tortoise did not answer. He continued onward, slow

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and steady, toward the willow in the grove. A leaf

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fell upon Hare's nose. He twitched. Another leaf drifted onto

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his ear. At last, he opened one eye, then the other.

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For a moment, he did not know where he was.

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Then memory rushed back the race. He sprang up so

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suddenly that he nearly tumbled over. The sun had moved

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lower in the sky. A flash of panic shot through him.

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Hair dashed out of the grove and toward the finish

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line at full speed. Through the trees. He saw the

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gathering crowd, and ahead of them all the small domed

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shape of tortoise, moving steadily toward the willow. No Hare cried,

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his legs flew. Never had he run so fast. The

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earth blurred beneath him. The wind roared in his ears,

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but Tortoise, hearing the pounding behind him, did not look back.

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He simply took another step, and another, and with one

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final quiet effort, he passed beneath the drooping branches of

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the willow. Fox lifted his tail and called, Tortoise has finished.

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Tortoise winds. The clearing erupted in astonished cries. A heartbeat later,

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hair burst across the line, but too late. He skidded

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to a halt, chest, heaving eyes wide with disbelief. Impossible,

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he said, impossible. The animals crowded around, some cheering, some laughing,

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some simply staring in wonder. Tortoise stood just beyond the line,

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breathing a little harder than usual, but calm. Hare looked

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from the willow to Tortoise, then to the faces around him.

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For the first time in many seasons, he found no admiration. There,

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only amusement, pity, or reproach. Fox cleared his throat. The

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winner is plain, yes, said owl, from above, It is plain.

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Hair's ears drooped. I am faster, he muttered. No one

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doubts that, said, dear, then, how badger answered, you were

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too proud to use your gift. Well, the words struck

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harder than any insult. Hare turned to Tortoise. Did you

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truly believe you could beat me? Tortoise considered the question.

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I believed, He said that I could keep going. The

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crowd fell quiet care lowered his head. He remembered the

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mocking laughter, the easy insults, the certainty that victory required

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no effort. He saw now that his speed had not

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defeated him. His pride had. I laughed at you, Hare said.

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At last, Yes, said Tortoise, and yet you challenged me. Yes? Why?

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Tortoise looked toward the path he had traveled, the meadow,

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the hill, the brook, the grove beyond, Because he said,

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there are many kinds of strength. Yours is speed, mine

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is patience. A race reveals more than legs. For a

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long moment, Hare said nothing. Then before all the animals

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of the valley, he bowed his head. I was foolish,

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he said, quietly, and cruel. The words were so unexpected

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from Hair that the crowd stirred in surprise. Tortoise gave

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a small nod. Then perhaps you have won something. After all.

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From that day forward, Hare still ran swiftly for he

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could not cease to be what he was, but he

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boasted less. When young animals praised his speed, he thanked

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them without mocking others. And when he saw tortoise crossing

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the meadow inch by inch beneath the sun, he did

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not laugh. As for tortoise, he returned to his sandy

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patch by the meadow and lived much as he had before.

254
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He did not become proud of his victory, for he

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understood that one success is no reason for vanity. Yet

256
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the animals greeted him with new respect, and many who

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had once overlooked him now listened when he spoke. In time,

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the story of the race spread beyond the valley, beyond

259
00:23:48,279 --> 00:23:53,599
the hills, and into distant forests and fields. It was

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told whereever creatures gathered, and wherever pride made the strong careless.

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Parrants told it to their children, Teachers told it to

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their students. Travelers carried it from one country to another

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because its truth was simple and easy to remember, and

264
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the lesson was this. The swift may start with every advantage,

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but pride can waste even the greatest gift. Steady effort, patience,

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and humility often carry one farther than talent alone, slow

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and steady wins the race the tortoise and the hair.

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In a wide green valley bordered by hills and silver streams,

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there lived many animals who shared the woods, the meadows,

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and the cool shade of the old trees. Birds nested

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in the branches above, Foxes moved quietly through the underbrush,

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Deer grazed in the open grass, and rabbits darted like

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quick thoughts through the morning mist. Among them all, no

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one was more famous for speed than Hair. Hair was

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swift as the wind and proud of it. He could

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streak across the meadow before a leaf had time to

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fall to the ground. He could leap over roots, stones,

278
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and puddles with ease, and when he ran, his feet

279
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barely seemed to touch the earth. The younger animals admired him,

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and Hair admired himself even more. Whenever the animals gathered

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near the stream or in the clearing under the oak tree,

282
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Hare found a way to remind every one of his talent.

283
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Did you see me outrun my own shadow this morning?

284
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He would boast. No one in the valley can keep

285
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pace with me, he would say, stretching out on a

286
00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:15,440
sunny rock. Speed is the greatest gift in the world.

287
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At first, the others laughed, because a little pride in

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a gift is natural. But Hair spoke of it so often,

289
00:26:25,759 --> 00:26:29,319
and with such scorn for others, that even his friends

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grew tired of him. He did not merely praise his

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own speed. He mocked those who had less. The hedgehog,

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who walked with tiny, cautious steps, endured Hare's jokes in silence.

293
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The squirrel, though quick in the trees, was told he

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was only half fast, and only where branches do the work.

295
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Even deer, graceful and swift in his own right, he

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00:27:00,200 --> 00:27:07,799
did arguing with Hair, for Hare's vanity made every conversation unpleasant.

297
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Of all the animals in the valley, none was slower

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00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:16,880
than tortoise. Tortoise lived near the edge of the meadow,

299
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where the grass gave way to a patch of sandy

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earth warmed by the sun. He was not large, and

301
00:27:25,160 --> 00:27:27,759
he was not strong in the way bear was strong,

302
00:27:28,319 --> 00:27:32,160
or clever in the way fox was clever. His shell

303
00:27:32,359 --> 00:27:36,720
was old and worn smooth by years of weather. When

304
00:27:36,759 --> 00:27:40,680
he walked, he did so with a steady, little motion,

305
00:27:41,400 --> 00:27:45,640
one careful step and then another, as though he meant

306
00:27:45,680 --> 00:27:51,920
to place each foot exactly where it belonged. Tortoise never hurried,

307
00:27:52,759 --> 00:27:57,160
but neither did he stop. Once he had begun. He

308
00:27:57,279 --> 00:28:01,640
listened more than he spoke. He was polite to all creatures,

309
00:28:02,200 --> 00:28:06,440
even those who were foolish. And though the young animals

310
00:28:06,519 --> 00:28:09,240
often giggled at how long it took him to cross

311
00:28:09,359 --> 00:28:14,200
even a short stretch of ground, Tortoise never seemed defended.

312
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He only blinked slowly and continued on his way. One

313
00:28:20,720 --> 00:28:24,359
bright morning in early spring, the animals gathered in the

314
00:28:24,400 --> 00:28:29,039
clearing under the great oak. The air smelled of damp

315
00:28:29,200 --> 00:28:33,319
leaves and wild flowers, and the light spilled through the

316
00:28:33,359 --> 00:28:38,240
branches in broad golden beams. Hair was there, of course,

317
00:28:38,720 --> 00:28:45,160
entertaining a circle of listeners. I tell you, Hair said loudly,

318
00:28:45,759 --> 00:28:48,519
there is no sport left for me in this valley.

319
00:28:49,240 --> 00:28:53,279
I run too fast for everyone. A race with any

320
00:28:53,319 --> 00:28:57,759
of you would be over before it began. Not every

321
00:28:57,839 --> 00:29:01,960
contest is won by speed alone, said owl from a

322
00:29:02,000 --> 00:29:09,079
branch above. Hare laughed, that is exactly what slow creatures say.

323
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A few animals exchanged glances. They were weary of hairs boasting,

324
00:29:16,839 --> 00:29:22,400
but no one wished to quarrel. Just then, Tortoise came

325
00:29:22,640 --> 00:29:26,559
slowly into the clearing, carrying a few clover leaves he

326
00:29:26,640 --> 00:29:31,079
had gathered for breakfast. Tear noticed him at once, and

327
00:29:31,160 --> 00:29:37,039
a mischievous grin spread across his face. Well, look who

328
00:29:37,160 --> 00:29:42,160
arrives at last, Hare cried, careful, Tortoise, if you move

329
00:29:42,240 --> 00:29:47,240
any slower, the grass will grow over your feet. A

330
00:29:47,359 --> 00:29:53,039
few young rabbits snickered. Tortoise raised his head and regarded

331
00:29:53,160 --> 00:30:00,160
Hair calmly. Good morning, hair, he said. Hair hoped in

332
00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:05,079
a circle around him. Tell me, Tortoise, how long did

333
00:30:05,079 --> 00:30:09,599
it take you to come from your home since sunrise yesterday?

334
00:30:11,279 --> 00:30:15,279
Tortoise did not answer at once. He placed his clover

335
00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:18,720
on the ground and looked around at the others, whose

336
00:30:18,759 --> 00:30:24,519
faces showed embarrassment more than amusement. Then he said, long

337
00:30:24,680 --> 00:30:29,400
enough to arrive. There was a murmur among the animals.

338
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Squirrel hid a smile behind his paws. Hair twitched his nose.

339
00:30:37,039 --> 00:30:43,119
Long enough to arrive, Hair repeated mockingly, A noble philosophy

340
00:30:43,279 --> 00:30:46,519
for one who has never known what it means to move.

341
00:30:48,279 --> 00:30:53,319
Tortoise studied Hair's restless feet, his eager eyes, the easy

342
00:30:53,400 --> 00:30:59,960
confidence that bordered on cruelty. You are very fast, Tortoise said,

343
00:31:01,640 --> 00:31:07,880
I am the fastest creature here. Hair replied. Then, perhaps,

344
00:31:08,240 --> 00:31:13,880
said Tortoise, you would race me. At this The whole

345
00:31:14,039 --> 00:31:20,720
clearing fell silent. Hair stared, and then burst into such

346
00:31:20,880 --> 00:31:24,759
loud laughter that two crows flew out of the nearby

347
00:31:24,799 --> 00:31:32,400
bushes in alarm. You, Hair gasped, Race me, if you

348
00:31:32,480 --> 00:31:37,839
are willing, said tortoise. The rabbits rolled on the grass,

349
00:31:38,400 --> 00:31:43,960
Squirrel nearly fell from a low branch. Even deer looked astonished,

350
00:31:44,319 --> 00:31:50,799
though he quickly masked it. This is too much, Hair said,

351
00:31:51,319 --> 00:31:56,599
wiping his eyes with one paw, you challenge me, Why, Tortoise.

352
00:31:57,119 --> 00:32:00,200
By the time you take ten steps, I shall be

353
00:32:00,279 --> 00:32:03,960
at the finish, eating lunch, and halfway through a nap.

354
00:32:05,519 --> 00:32:09,599
Then you should have no reason to refuse. Tortoise answered.

355
00:32:11,599 --> 00:32:17,119
That reply silenced the laughter for a moment. Fox, who

356
00:32:17,200 --> 00:32:22,440
enjoyed any event likely to stir excitement, stepped forward. A

357
00:32:22,640 --> 00:32:27,880
race should have witnesses and a proper course, he said, smoothly.

358
00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:32,279
If this challenge is real, let it be settled fairly.

359
00:32:33,839 --> 00:32:40,359
It is real, said tortoise. Hare puffed out his chest gladly.

360
00:32:41,079 --> 00:32:44,160
I will race him. It may amuse me for an

361
00:32:44,160 --> 00:32:51,599
hour or longer, muttered Badger. The animals quickly agreed upon

362
00:32:51,640 --> 00:32:55,359
a course. The race would begin at the old oak

363
00:32:55,519 --> 00:32:59,960
in the clearing, continue along the meadow path, curve around

364
00:33:00,039 --> 00:33:03,319
on the hill of time, cross a shallow brook by

365
00:33:03,359 --> 00:33:07,559
the flat stones, and end at the big willow near

366
00:33:07,599 --> 00:33:11,400
the pond. It was not a difficult route, but it

367
00:33:11,480 --> 00:33:16,519
was long enough for a proper contest. Fox was chosen

368
00:33:16,559 --> 00:33:21,279
to act as judge. Owl would watch from above. Deer

369
00:33:21,359 --> 00:33:24,519
and squirrel would stand at different points along the path

370
00:33:24,960 --> 00:33:29,000
to make sure no one strayed. By noon, the race

371
00:33:29,039 --> 00:33:35,480
would begin. The valley buzzed with excitement. Words spread to

372
00:33:35,559 --> 00:33:40,079
every burrow, nest and den. By the appointed hour, the

373
00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:46,079
clearing was crowded. Birds perched on branches, Mice peeped from

374
00:33:46,119 --> 00:33:50,880
the grass. Even the usually solemn heron came from the

375
00:33:50,920 --> 00:33:56,680
marsh to witness the absurd spectacle. Hare stood at the

376
00:33:56,720 --> 00:34:01,319
starting place, flexing his legs and ring at his admirers.

377
00:34:02,319 --> 00:34:07,200
Tortoise stood beside him, quiet as ever, his face unreadable.

378
00:34:08,840 --> 00:34:13,920
Fox raised his tail. When I drop my tail, he announced,

379
00:34:14,280 --> 00:34:20,119
The race begins. Hare leaned close to tortoise and said,

380
00:34:20,159 --> 00:34:23,599
in a voice meant to sting do try not to

381
00:34:23,679 --> 00:34:29,239
lose sight of me. At once, Tortoise replied, I will

382
00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:34,280
keep my eyes on the path. Fox dropped his tail,

383
00:34:35,880 --> 00:34:40,000
hair shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow.

384
00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:45,519
A cheer rose from the crowd. In an instant, he

385
00:34:45,639 --> 00:34:49,280
was far down the meadow path, kicking up dust and

386
00:34:49,440 --> 00:34:55,280
scattering clover blossoms. Tortoise began as he always did, one

387
00:34:55,400 --> 00:35:01,840
steady step, then another. The contrast so great that many

388
00:35:01,960 --> 00:35:06,599
animals laughed again. Some wandered away from the starting line

389
00:35:06,679 --> 00:35:12,519
almost at once, certain they already knew the outcome. Hare

390
00:35:12,639 --> 00:35:17,239
reached the hill of time within moments. He glanced back

391
00:35:17,599 --> 00:35:21,440
and could barely see the clearing behind him. Tortoise was

392
00:35:21,519 --> 00:35:26,760
nowhere near. Hair slowed to an easy jog, then to

393
00:35:26,840 --> 00:35:32,480
a hop, then stopped altogether. This is less a race,

394
00:35:32,800 --> 00:35:37,800
he said aloud, than a waiting game. He sat on

395
00:35:37,920 --> 00:35:44,679
a smooth stone and cleaned one ear with his hind foot. Soon, squirrel,

396
00:35:45,280 --> 00:35:50,400
stationed in a nearby tree, called down. Why have you stopped, Hair,

397
00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:56,079
because there is no need to rush, Hair, replied, Tortoise

398
00:35:56,159 --> 00:36:01,119
will not reach this spot until the moon rises. Squirrel

399
00:36:01,239 --> 00:36:05,199
said nothing. He had seen enough of Hare's pride to

400
00:36:05,320 --> 00:36:10,599
know it never learned from advice. After a few minutes,

401
00:36:11,599 --> 00:36:15,840
Hare rose and bounded farther along the course until he

402
00:36:15,960 --> 00:36:21,880
reached the brook. There he drank some water, admired his reflection,

403
00:36:22,639 --> 00:36:26,119
and imagined how impressed the others would be when he

404
00:36:26,280 --> 00:36:32,360
won with ridiculous ease. Perhaps he thought he might even

405
00:36:32,440 --> 00:36:38,119
cross the finish line backward, just to prove he could. Meanwhile,

406
00:36:38,639 --> 00:36:44,199
Tortoise moved along the path. He heard no cheers. Now

407
00:36:45,000 --> 00:36:48,920
the crowd was far behind him. The sun was warm

408
00:36:48,960 --> 00:36:53,400
on his shell. Grasshoppers sprang out of his way, and

409
00:36:53,599 --> 00:36:59,719
bees drifted lazily over the flowers. Step by step, Tortoise

410
00:36:59,719 --> 00:37:03,320
followed the curve of the meadow. He did not think

411
00:37:03,360 --> 00:37:07,119
of Hare's laughter. He did not think of how far remained.

412
00:37:07,880 --> 00:37:12,559
He thought only of the next piece of ground. One

413
00:37:12,639 --> 00:37:18,119
step and then another. At the hill of time, Tortoise

414
00:37:18,280 --> 00:37:23,559
passed the stone where Hare had rested. Squirrel leaned down

415
00:37:23,960 --> 00:37:31,480
and said quietly, you are far behind, yes, said tortoise.

416
00:37:33,159 --> 00:37:38,760
But you keep going, Yes, said tortoise again, and went

417
00:37:38,840 --> 00:37:44,840
on far ahead. Hare had crossed the brook and reached

418
00:37:44,880 --> 00:37:48,400
a shady grove not far from the willow that marked

419
00:37:48,400 --> 00:37:52,719
the finish line through the trees, he could almost glimpse

420
00:37:52,760 --> 00:37:56,559
the pond beyond. There was still no sign of tortoise.

421
00:37:58,159 --> 00:38:03,199
Hare laughed to himself. I have so much time, he said,

422
00:38:03,639 --> 00:38:07,639
that I might as well enjoy it. In the grove

423
00:38:07,960 --> 00:38:11,960
grew soft moss beneath the trees, and the shade was cool.

424
00:38:12,840 --> 00:38:17,159
A warm breeze stirred the leaves overhead, hair stretched out,

425
00:38:17,519 --> 00:38:22,559
folding his paws behind his head. I shall rest only

426
00:38:22,639 --> 00:38:26,800
a moment, he said, Then I will finish at my leisure.

427
00:38:28,400 --> 00:38:32,000
He listened to the wind whispering through the branches, to

428
00:38:32,079 --> 00:38:35,039
the murmur of water near the pond, to the distant

429
00:38:35,199 --> 00:38:39,360
hum of insects in the grass. The earth was comfortable,

430
00:38:39,719 --> 00:38:46,440
the air mild. His eyes grew heavy. A moment, Hare

431
00:38:46,559 --> 00:38:53,880
murmured again. Then he slept back on the course. Tortoise

432
00:38:54,000 --> 00:38:58,199
crossed the brook. Deer, who watched near by, lowered his

433
00:38:58,320 --> 00:39:06,159
head in surprise. You are still going, dear, said, Of course,

434
00:39:06,519 --> 00:39:12,599
said tortoise. Did you not expect Hare to finish long ago?

435
00:39:13,079 --> 00:39:17,239
Tortoise stepped from one flat stone to the next. What

436
00:39:17,400 --> 00:39:23,840
I expect changes nothing, he replied. Deer watched him disappear

437
00:39:24,039 --> 00:39:27,679
up the path and felt for the first time that

438
00:39:27,800 --> 00:39:31,039
this race was not as simple as it had seemed.

439
00:39:32,599 --> 00:39:38,000
The afternoon wore on. More animals drifted toward the willow

440
00:39:38,320 --> 00:39:42,800
to await the finish Some came merely to laugh when

441
00:39:42,800 --> 00:39:47,440
Hare finally arrived. Others had begun to wonder why he

442
00:39:47,559 --> 00:39:52,360
was taking so long. Fox paced near the line, tail

443
00:39:52,599 --> 00:40:00,119
flicking with impatience. Owl circled overhead, scanning the path. Then

444
00:40:00,679 --> 00:40:05,920
from the edge of the grove tortoise emerged. A murmur

445
00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:11,639
spread through the crowd. He was alone. Where is Hare?

446
00:40:12,519 --> 00:40:18,239
Whispered the field mice. Fox stared, surely he must be

447
00:40:18,400 --> 00:40:25,320
just behind. Tortoise did not answer. He continued onward, slow

448
00:40:25,800 --> 00:40:31,599
and steady, toward the willow in the grove. A leaf

449
00:40:31,800 --> 00:40:37,239
fell upon Hare's nose. He twitched. Another leaf drifted on

450
00:40:37,280 --> 00:40:41,840
to his ear. At last, he opened one eye, then

451
00:40:42,039 --> 00:40:45,440
the other. For a moment, he did not know where

452
00:40:45,480 --> 00:40:52,920
he was. Then memory rushed back the race. He sprang

453
00:40:53,000 --> 00:40:58,480
up so suddenly that he nearly tumbled over. The sun

454
00:40:58,639 --> 00:41:03,480
had moved lower in the sky. A flash of panic

455
00:41:03,599 --> 00:41:07,880
shot through him. Hair dashed out of the grove and

456
00:41:07,960 --> 00:41:12,119
toward the finish line at full speed. Through the trees.

457
00:41:12,559 --> 00:41:16,559
He saw the gathering crowd, and ahead of them all

458
00:41:17,280 --> 00:41:22,280
the small domed shape of tortoise, moving steadily toward the willow.

459
00:41:23,840 --> 00:41:30,119
No Hare cried, His legs flew. Never had he run

460
00:41:30,239 --> 00:41:35,400
so fast. The earth blurred beneath him. The wind roared

461
00:41:35,440 --> 00:41:40,920
in his ears, but Tortoise, hearing the pounding behind him,

462
00:41:41,239 --> 00:41:47,639
did not look back. He simply took another step, and another,

463
00:41:49,360 --> 00:41:53,840
and with one final quiet effort, he passed beneath the

464
00:41:53,920 --> 00:41:59,519
drooping branches of the willow. Fox lifted his tail and called,

465
00:42:00,079 --> 00:42:07,639
Tortoise has finished. Tortoise wins. The clearing erupted in astonished cries.

466
00:42:09,480 --> 00:42:14,519
A heartbeat later, hair burst across the line, but too late.

467
00:42:16,360 --> 00:42:22,440
He skidded to a halt, chest, heaving eyes wide with disbelief. Impossible,

468
00:42:22,880 --> 00:42:31,599
he said, impossible. The animals crowded around, some cheering, some laughing,

469
00:42:32,400 --> 00:42:37,679
some simply staring in wonder. Tortoise stood just beyond the line,

470
00:42:38,320 --> 00:42:44,119
breathing a little harder than usual, but calm. Hare looked

471
00:42:44,159 --> 00:42:48,360
from the willow to tortoise, then to the faces around him.

472
00:42:49,079 --> 00:42:53,679
For the first time in many seasons, he found no admiration. There,

473
00:42:54,119 --> 00:43:00,800
only amusement, pity, or reproach. Fox cleared his throat The

474
00:43:00,840 --> 00:43:07,679
winner is plain, yes, said owl from above, It is plain.

475
00:43:08,280 --> 00:43:14,599
Hare's ears drooped. I am faster, he muttered. No one

476
00:43:14,719 --> 00:43:22,320
doubts that, said dear, Then how Badger answered, you were

477
00:43:22,360 --> 00:43:27,360
too proud to use your gift. Well, the words struck

478
00:43:27,440 --> 00:43:33,880
harder than any insult. Hair turned to Tortoise. Did you truly

479
00:43:33,960 --> 00:43:41,280
believe you could beat me? Tortoise considered the question. I believed,

480
00:43:41,679 --> 00:43:46,719
he said that I could keep going. The crowd fell

481
00:43:46,880 --> 00:43:53,519
quiet care lowered his head. He remembered the mocking laughter,

482
00:43:54,079 --> 00:43:58,920
the easy insults, the certainty that victory required no effort,

483
00:44:00,119 --> 00:44:03,559
or now that his speed had not defeated him, his

484
00:44:03,719 --> 00:44:10,360
pride had I laughed at you, Hair said. At last, yes,

485
00:44:11,079 --> 00:44:21,400
said Tortoise, And yet you challenged me. Yes? Why? Tortoise

486
00:44:21,480 --> 00:44:25,480
looked toward the path he had traveled, the meadow, the hill,

487
00:44:25,840 --> 00:44:30,920
the brook, the grove beyond. Because he said, there are

488
00:44:30,960 --> 00:44:36,920
many kinds of strength. Yours is speed, mine is patience.

489
00:44:37,840 --> 00:44:42,880
A race reveals more than legs. For a long moment,

490
00:44:43,320 --> 00:44:48,440
Hare said nothing. Then, before all the animals of the valley,

491
00:44:48,800 --> 00:44:53,920
he bowed his head. I was foolish, he said, quietly,

492
00:44:54,480 --> 00:45:00,320
and cruel. The words were so unexpected from hair that

493
00:45:00,440 --> 00:45:07,320
the crowd stirred in surprise. Tortoise gave a small nod. Then,

494
00:45:07,440 --> 00:45:13,039
perhaps you have won something after all. From that day forward,

495
00:45:13,559 --> 00:45:17,679
Hare still ran swiftly, for he could not cease to

496
00:45:17,719 --> 00:45:22,840
be what he was, But he boasted less. When young

497
00:45:22,880 --> 00:45:27,679
animals praised his speed, he thanked them without mocking others.

498
00:45:28,400 --> 00:45:31,480
And when he saw tortoise crossing the meadow inch by

499
00:45:31,599 --> 00:45:37,119
inch beneath the sun, he did not laugh. As for Tortoise,

500
00:45:37,679 --> 00:45:41,000
he returned to his sandy patch by the meadow and

501
00:45:41,079 --> 00:45:44,559
lived much as he had before. He did not become

502
00:45:44,639 --> 00:45:48,960
proud of his victory, for he understood that one success

503
00:45:49,559 --> 00:45:54,320
is no reason for vanity. Yet the animals greeted him

504
00:45:54,360 --> 00:45:58,440
with new respect, and many who had once overlooked him

505
00:45:58,760 --> 00:46:04,480
now listened when he spoke. In time, the story of

506
00:46:04,559 --> 00:46:09,320
the race spread beyond the valley, beyond the hills, and

507
00:46:09,480 --> 00:46:15,320
into distant forests and fields. It was told wherever creatures gathered,

508
00:46:15,639 --> 00:46:20,480
and wherever pride made the strong careless. Parents told it

509
00:46:20,519 --> 00:46:25,840
to their children, Teachers told it to their students. Travelers

510
00:46:25,920 --> 00:46:29,519
carried it from one country to another because its truth

511
00:46:29,719 --> 00:46:34,320
was simple and easy to remember, and the lesson was

512
00:46:34,360 --> 00:46:41,039
this the swift may start with every advantage, but pride

513
00:46:41,079 --> 00:46:46,360
can waste even the greatest gift. Steady effort, patience, and

514
00:46:46,480 --> 00:46:52,159
humility often carry one farther than talent alone. Slow and

515
00:46:52,320 --> 00:47:17,239
steady wins the race the tortoise and the hair. In

516
00:47:17,320 --> 00:47:22,440
a wide green valley bordered by hills and silver streams,

517
00:47:23,039 --> 00:47:26,760
there lived many animals who shared the woods, the meadows,

518
00:47:27,199 --> 00:47:31,639
and the cool shade of the old trees. Birds nested

519
00:47:31,639 --> 00:47:36,159
in the branches above, Foxes moved quietly through the underbrush,

520
00:47:36,400 --> 00:47:40,639
Deer grazed in the open grass, and rabbits darted like

521
00:47:40,760 --> 00:47:45,559
quick thoughts through the morning mist. Among them all, no

522
00:47:45,639 --> 00:47:50,760
one was more famous for speed than hair. Hair was

523
00:47:50,880 --> 00:47:54,199
swift as the wind, and proud of it. He could

524
00:47:54,239 --> 00:47:57,239
streak across the meadow before a leaf had time to

525
00:47:57,320 --> 00:48:01,519
fall to the ground. He could leap over roots, stones,

526
00:48:01,719 --> 00:48:05,400
and puddles with ease, and when he ran, his feet

527
00:48:05,559 --> 00:48:10,280
barely seemed to touch the earth. The younger animals admired him,

528
00:48:10,519 --> 00:48:16,639
and Hair admired himself even more. Whenever the animals gathered

529
00:48:16,679 --> 00:48:20,280
near the stream or in the clearing under the oak tree,

530
00:48:20,880 --> 00:48:23,880
Hare found a way to remind every one of his talent.

531
00:48:25,559 --> 00:48:28,519
Did you see me outrun my own shadow this morning?

532
00:48:29,039 --> 00:48:33,320
He would boast. No one in the valley can keep

533
00:48:33,360 --> 00:48:37,400
pace with me. He would say, stretching out on a

534
00:48:37,440 --> 00:48:41,880
sunny rock. Speed is the greatest gift in the world.

535
00:48:43,440 --> 00:48:47,440
At first, the others laughed, because a little pride in

536
00:48:47,480 --> 00:48:51,800
a gift is natural. But Hair spoke of it so often,

537
00:48:52,199 --> 00:48:55,760
and with such scorn for others, that even his friends

538
00:48:55,840 --> 00:48:59,559
grew tired of him. He did not merely praise his

539
00:48:59,599 --> 00:49:05,679
own death speed. He mocked those who had less. The hedgehog,

540
00:49:06,039 --> 00:49:11,119
who walked with tiny, cautious steps, endured Hare's jokes in silence.

541
00:49:12,119 --> 00:49:15,840
The squirrel, though quick in the trees, was told he

542
00:49:15,960 --> 00:49:20,440
was only half fast, and only where branches do the work.

543
00:49:21,480 --> 00:49:26,719
Even deer, graceful and swift in his own right, avoided

544
00:49:26,960 --> 00:49:34,199
arguing with Hair, for Hare's vanity made every conversation unpleasant.

545
00:49:34,480 --> 00:49:38,599
Of all the animals in the valley, none was slower

546
00:49:38,639 --> 00:49:43,320
than tortoise. Tortoise lived near the edge of the meadow,

547
00:49:43,800 --> 00:49:46,559
where the grass gave way to a patch of sandy

548
00:49:46,599 --> 00:49:51,480
earth warmed by the sun. He was not large, and

549
00:49:51,599 --> 00:49:54,199
he was not strong in the way bear was strong,

550
00:49:54,760 --> 00:49:58,599
or clever in the way fox was clever. His shell

551
00:49:58,800 --> 00:50:03,159
was old and warm, smooth by years of weather. When

552
00:50:03,199 --> 00:50:07,119
he walked, he did so with a steady little motion,

553
00:50:07,840 --> 00:50:12,079
one careful step and then another, as though he meant

554
00:50:12,119 --> 00:50:18,400
to place each foot exactly where it belonged. Tortoise never hurried,

555
00:50:19,199 --> 00:50:23,639
but neither did he stop. Once he had begun. He

556
00:50:23,719 --> 00:50:28,079
listened more than he spoke. He was polite to all creatures,

557
00:50:28,639 --> 00:50:32,880
even those who were foolish. And though the young animals

558
00:50:32,960 --> 00:50:35,679
often giggled at how long it took him to cross

559
00:50:35,800 --> 00:50:40,639
even a short stretch of ground, Tortoise never seemed defended.

560
00:50:41,400 --> 00:50:47,079
He only blinked slowly and continued on his way. One

561
00:50:47,159 --> 00:50:50,800
bright morning in early spring, the animals gathered in the

562
00:50:50,840 --> 00:50:55,480
clearing under the great oak. The air smelled of damp

563
00:50:55,639 --> 00:50:59,679
leaves and wild flowers, and the light spilled through the

564
00:50:59,719 --> 00:51:04,679
bright lunches in broad golden beams. Hair was there, of course,

565
00:51:05,159 --> 00:51:11,599
entertaining a circle of listeners. I tell you, hare, said loudly,

566
00:51:12,199 --> 00:51:14,960
there is no sport left for me in this valley.

567
00:51:15,679 --> 00:51:19,719
I run too fast for everyone. A race with any

568
00:51:19,760 --> 00:51:24,199
of you would be over before it began. Not every

569
00:51:24,280 --> 00:51:28,400
contest is won by speed alone, said owl from a

570
00:51:28,440 --> 00:51:35,519
branch above. Hare laughed, that is exactly what slow creatures say.

571
00:51:37,360 --> 00:51:42,760
A few animals exchanged glances. They were weary of hares boasting,

572
00:51:43,280 --> 00:51:48,840
but no one wished to quarrel. Just then, tortoise came

573
00:51:49,079 --> 00:51:53,000
slowly into the clearing, carrying a few clover leaves he

574
00:51:53,079 --> 00:51:57,519
had gathered for breakfast. Tear noticed him at once, and

575
00:51:57,599 --> 00:52:03,480
a mischievous grin spread across his head. Well, look who

576
00:52:03,599 --> 00:52:08,599
arrives at last, Hare cried, careful, tortoise, if you move

577
00:52:08,679 --> 00:52:13,679
any slower, the grass will grow over your feet. A

578
00:52:13,800 --> 00:52:19,519
few young rabbits snickered. Tortoise raised his head and regarded

579
00:52:19,599 --> 00:52:26,559
hair calmly. Good morning, hair, he said. Hair hopped in

580
00:52:26,599 --> 00:52:31,519
a circle around him. Tell me, tortoise, how long did

581
00:52:31,519 --> 00:52:36,039
it take you to come from your home since sunrise yesterday?

582
00:52:37,719 --> 00:52:41,719
Tortoise did not answer at once. He placed his clover

583
00:52:41,840 --> 00:52:45,159
on the ground and looked around at the others, whose

584
00:52:45,199 --> 00:52:50,960
faces showed embarrassment more than amusement. Then he said, long

585
00:52:51,119 --> 00:52:56,599
enough to arrive. There was a murmur among the animals.

586
00:52:56,760 --> 00:53:01,159
Squirrel hid a smile behind his paws, Hair twitched his

587
00:53:01,320 --> 00:53:08,800
nose long enough to arrive, Hair repeated mockingly. A noble

588
00:53:08,840 --> 00:53:12,480
philosophy for one who has never known what it means

589
00:53:12,519 --> 00:53:18,800
to move. Tortoise studied Hare's restless feet, his eager eyes,

590
00:53:19,239 --> 00:53:25,000
the easy confidence that bordered on cruelty. You are very fast,

591
00:53:25,639 --> 00:53:34,320
Tortoise said, I am the fastest creature here. Hair replied. Then, perhaps,

592
00:53:34,679 --> 00:53:40,360
said Tortoise, you would race me? At this The whole

593
00:53:40,480 --> 00:53:47,159
clearing fell silent. Hair stared, and then burst into such

594
00:53:47,320 --> 00:53:51,199
loud laughter that two crows flew out of the nearby

595
00:53:51,239 --> 00:53:58,840
bushes in alarm. You, Hare gasped, Race me, if you

596
00:53:58,920 --> 00:54:04,280
are willing, said Tortoise. The rabbits rolled on the grass,

597
00:54:04,840 --> 00:54:10,400
Squirrel nearly fell from a low branch. Even deer looked astonished,

598
00:54:10,760 --> 00:54:17,559
though he quickly masked it. This is too much, Hare said,

599
00:54:17,800 --> 00:54:23,039
wiping his eyes with one paw. You challenge me, Why, Tortoise,

600
00:54:23,559 --> 00:54:26,639
By the time you take ten steps, I shall be

601
00:54:26,679 --> 00:54:30,400
at the finish, eating lunch, and halfway through a nap.

602
00:54:31,960 --> 00:54:36,039
Then you should have no reason to refuse. Tortoise answered.

603
00:54:38,039 --> 00:54:43,559
That reply silenced the laughter for a moment. Fox, who

604
00:54:43,639 --> 00:54:48,880
enjoyed any event likely to stir excitement, stepped forward. A

605
00:54:49,079 --> 00:54:54,320
race should have witnesses and a proper course, he said, smoothly.

606
00:54:54,920 --> 00:54:58,719
If this challenge is real, let it be settled fairly.

607
00:55:00,280 --> 00:55:06,800
It is real, said tortoise. Hare puffed out his chest gladly.

608
00:55:07,519 --> 00:55:10,599
I will race him. It may amuse me for an

609
00:55:10,599 --> 00:55:18,039
hour or longer, muttered badger. The animals quickly agreed upon

610
00:55:18,079 --> 00:55:21,800
a course. The race would begin at the old oak

611
00:55:21,960 --> 00:55:26,559
in the clearing, continue along the meadow path, curve around

612
00:55:26,559 --> 00:55:29,880
the hill of time, cross a shallow brook by the

613
00:55:29,920 --> 00:55:34,519
flat stones, and end at the big willow near the pond.

614
00:55:35,480 --> 00:55:38,280
It was not a difficult route, but it was long

615
00:55:38,400 --> 00:55:43,559
enough for a proper contest. Fox was chosen to act

616
00:55:43,599 --> 00:55:48,440
as judge. Owl would watch from above. Deer and squirrel

617
00:55:48,480 --> 00:55:51,800
would stand at different points along the path to make

618
00:55:51,840 --> 00:55:56,079
sure no one strayed. By noon, the race would begin.

619
00:55:57,760 --> 00:56:02,760
The valley buzzed with excitement. Words spread to every burrow,

620
00:56:03,000 --> 00:56:08,000
nest and den. By the appointed hour, the clearing was crowded.

621
00:56:08,480 --> 00:56:14,280
Birds perched on branches, mice peeped from the grass. Even

622
00:56:14,360 --> 00:56:18,760
the usually solemn heron came from the marsh to witness

623
00:56:18,840 --> 00:56:25,159
the absurd spectacle. Hare stood at the starting place, flexing

624
00:56:25,199 --> 00:56:30,400
his legs and grinning at his admirers. Tortoise stood beside him,

625
00:56:30,760 --> 00:56:36,559
quiet as ever, his face unreadable, Fox raised his tail.

626
00:56:37,360 --> 00:56:41,920
When I drop my tail, he announced, the race begins.

627
00:56:43,760 --> 00:56:47,199
Hare leaned close to tortoise and said, in a voice

628
00:56:47,320 --> 00:56:51,000
meant to sting. Do try not to lose sight of me.

629
00:56:51,079 --> 00:56:56,960
At once. Tortoise replied, I will keep my eyes on

630
00:56:57,039 --> 00:57:04,079
the path. Fox dropped his tail, hair shot forward like

631
00:57:04,159 --> 00:57:09,559
an arrow loosed from a bow. A cheer rose from

632
00:57:09,559 --> 00:57:13,079
the crowd. In an instant, he was far down the

633
00:57:13,079 --> 00:57:19,159
meadow path, kicking up dust and scattering clover blossoms. Tortoise began,

634
00:57:19,639 --> 00:57:25,559
as he always did, one steady step, then another. The

635
00:57:25,639 --> 00:57:30,920
contrast was so great that many animals laughed again. Some

636
00:57:31,079 --> 00:57:35,159
wandered away from the starting line almost at once, certain

637
00:57:35,320 --> 00:57:39,920
they already knew the outcome. Hare reached the hill of

638
00:57:40,000 --> 00:57:45,159
time within moments. He glanced back and could barely see

639
00:57:45,199 --> 00:57:50,719
the clearing behind him. Tortoise was nowhere near. Hair slowed

640
00:57:50,880 --> 00:57:55,639
to an easy jog, then to a hop, then stopped altogether.

641
00:57:57,320 --> 00:58:00,719
This is less a race, he said aloud, than a

642
00:58:00,760 --> 00:58:07,079
waiting game. He sat on a smooth stone and cleaned

643
00:58:07,159 --> 00:58:12,440
one ear with his hind foot. Soon, squirrel stationed in

644
00:58:12,519 --> 00:58:16,840
a nearby tree called down. Why have you stopped, hair,

645
00:58:18,440 --> 00:58:22,519
because there is no need to rush, Hair, replied Tortoise.

646
00:58:22,599 --> 00:58:27,559
Will not reach this spot until the moon rises. Squirrel

647
00:58:27,679 --> 00:58:31,639
said nothing. He had seen enough of Hare's pride to

648
00:58:31,760 --> 00:58:37,039
know it never learned from advice. After a few minutes,

649
00:58:38,039 --> 00:58:42,280
Hare rose and bounded farther along the course until he

650
00:58:42,400 --> 00:58:48,320
reached the brook. There he drank some water, admired his reflection,

651
00:58:49,079 --> 00:58:52,599
and imagined how impressed the others would be when he

652
00:58:52,719 --> 00:58:58,800
won with ridiculous ease. Perhaps he thought he might even

653
00:58:58,880 --> 00:59:04,599
cross the finish line backward, just to prove he could. Meanwhile,

654
00:59:05,079 --> 00:59:10,639
Tortoise moved along the path. He heard no cheers. Now

655
00:59:11,440 --> 00:59:15,360
the crowd was far behind him. The sun was warm

656
00:59:15,400 --> 00:59:19,880
on his shell. Grasshoppers sprang out of his way, and

657
00:59:20,039 --> 00:59:26,199
bees drifted lazily over the flowers. Step by step, Tortoise

658
00:59:26,280 --> 00:59:29,760
followed the curve of the meadow. He did not think

659
00:59:29,800 --> 00:59:33,559
of Hare's laughter. He did not think of how far remained.

660
00:59:34,320 --> 00:59:39,000
He thought only of the next piece of ground. One

661
00:59:39,079 --> 00:59:44,559
step and then another. At the hill of time, Tortoise

662
00:59:44,719 --> 00:59:50,000
passed the stone where Hare had rested. Squirrel leaned down

663
00:59:50,400 --> 00:59:57,920
and said, quietly, you are far behind. Yes, said tortoise.

664
00:59:59,599 --> 01:00:05,199
But you keep going, Yes, said tortoise again, and went

665
01:00:05,280 --> 01:00:11,280
on far ahead. Hare had crossed the brook and reached

666
01:00:11,320 --> 01:00:14,840
a shady grove not far from the willow that marked

667
01:00:14,840 --> 01:00:19,159
the finish line through the trees. He could almost glimpse

668
01:00:19,199 --> 01:00:23,000
the pond beyond. There was still no sign of tortoise.

669
01:00:24,599 --> 01:00:29,599
Hare laughed to himself. I have so much time, he said,

670
01:00:30,079 --> 01:00:34,079
that I might as well enjoy it. In the grove

671
01:00:34,400 --> 01:00:38,400
grew soft moss beneath the trees, and the shade was cool.

672
01:00:39,280 --> 01:00:43,559
A warm breeze stirred the leaves overhead, Hair stretched out,

673
01:00:43,960 --> 01:00:49,000
folding his paws behind his head. I shall rest only

674
01:00:49,079 --> 01:00:53,280
a moment, he said, Then I will finish at my leisure.

675
01:00:54,840 --> 01:00:58,440
He listened to the wind whispering through the branches, to

676
01:00:58,519 --> 01:01:01,920
the murmur of water near the to the distant hum

677
01:01:02,000 --> 01:01:06,280
of insects in the grass. The earth was comfortable, the

678
01:01:06,320 --> 01:01:13,679
air mild. His eyes grew heavy a moment, hair murmured again.

679
01:01:15,239 --> 01:01:22,320
Then he slept back on the course. Tortoise crossed the brook. Deer,

680
01:01:22,440 --> 01:01:28,119
who watched nearby, lowered his head in surprise. You are

681
01:01:28,199 --> 01:01:35,599
still going, dear, said of course, said tortoise. Did you

682
01:01:35,679 --> 01:01:40,760
not expect hair to finish long ago. Tortoise stepped from

683
01:01:40,760 --> 01:01:45,679
one flat stone to the next. What I expect changes nothing,

684
01:01:46,199 --> 01:01:51,679
he replied. Deer watched him disappear up the path and

685
01:01:51,840 --> 01:01:55,280
felt for the first time that this race was not

686
01:01:55,559 --> 01:02:00,960
as simple as it had seemed. The afternoon wore on.

687
01:02:02,000 --> 01:02:05,880
More animals drifted toward the willow to await the finish.

688
01:02:06,920 --> 01:02:11,880
Some came merely to laugh when Hare finally arrived. Others

689
01:02:12,320 --> 01:02:15,199
had begun to wonder why he was taking so long.

690
01:02:16,119 --> 01:02:22,119
Fox paced near the line, tail flicking with impatience. Owl

691
01:02:22,280 --> 01:02:27,880
circled overhead, scanning the path. Then from the edge of

692
01:02:27,920 --> 01:02:33,639
the grove tortoise emerged. A murmur spread through the crowd.

693
01:02:34,440 --> 01:02:40,280
He was alone. Where is Hare, whispered the field mice.

694
01:02:41,960 --> 01:02:47,880
Fox stared, surely he must be just behind. Tortoise did

695
01:02:47,920 --> 01:02:54,079
not answer. He continued onward, slow and steady, toward the

696
01:02:54,119 --> 01:02:59,719
willow in the grove. A leaf fell upon Hare's nose.

697
01:03:00,440 --> 01:03:05,960
He twitched, another leaf drifted on to his ear. At last,

698
01:03:06,039 --> 01:03:10,639
he opened one eye, then the other. For a moment,

699
01:03:10,719 --> 01:03:14,639
he did not know where he was. Then memory rushed

700
01:03:14,719 --> 01:03:21,400
back the race. He sprang up so suddenly that he

701
01:03:21,559 --> 01:03:27,079
nearly tumbled over the sun had moved lower in the sky.

702
01:03:28,800 --> 01:03:33,039
A flash of panic shot through him. Hair dashed out

703
01:03:33,079 --> 01:03:36,880
of the grove and toward the finish line at full speed.

704
01:03:37,760 --> 01:03:42,480
Through the trees. He saw the gathering crowd, and ahead

705
01:03:42,480 --> 01:03:47,079
of them all the small domed shape of tortoise, moving

706
01:03:47,159 --> 01:03:48,719
steadily toward the willow.

707
01:03:50,280 --> 01:03:50,320
Speaker 1: No.

708
01:03:51,079 --> 01:03:57,760
Speaker 2: Hare cried, His legs flew. Never had he run so fast.

709
01:03:58,239 --> 01:04:03,599
The earth blurred beneath him. The wind roared in his ears,

710
01:04:04,199 --> 01:04:08,719
but Tortoise, hearing the pounding behind him, did not look back.

711
01:04:09,559 --> 01:04:16,679
He simply took another step, and another, and with one

712
01:04:16,880 --> 01:04:21,480
final quiet effort, he passed beneath the drooping branches of

713
01:04:21,519 --> 01:04:27,840
the willow. Fox lifted his tail and called, Tortoise has finished.

714
01:04:28,280 --> 01:04:37,599
Tortoise winds. The clearing erupted in astonished cries. A heartbeat later,

715
01:04:38,079 --> 01:04:43,400
hair burst across the line, but too late. He skidded

716
01:04:43,440 --> 01:04:48,880
to a halt, chest, heaving eyes wide with disbelief. Impossible,

717
01:04:49,320 --> 01:04:58,039
he said, impossible. The animals crowded around, some cheering, some laughing,

718
01:04:58,840 --> 01:05:04,639
some simply step in wonder. Tortoise stood just beyond the line,

719
01:05:04,800 --> 01:05:10,599
breathing a little harder than usual, but calm. Hare looked

720
01:05:10,599 --> 01:05:15,079
from the willow to Tortoise, then to the faces around him.

721
01:05:15,519 --> 01:05:19,719
For the first time in many seasons, he found no admiration.

722
01:05:19,920 --> 01:05:26,320
There only amusement, pity or reproach. Fox cleared his throat.

723
01:05:27,159 --> 01:05:32,360
The winner is plain, yes, said owl from above, It

724
01:05:32,480 --> 01:05:39,000
is plain. Hair's ears drooped. I am faster, he muttered.

725
01:05:40,599 --> 01:05:47,639
No one doubts that, said dear, Then how Badger answered,

726
01:05:48,480 --> 01:05:52,800
you were too proud to use your gift. Well, the

727
01:05:52,880 --> 01:05:58,599
words struck harder than any insult. Hair turned to Tortoise.

728
01:05:59,440 --> 01:06:01,559
Did you try? I truly believe you could beat me?

729
01:06:03,280 --> 01:06:09,280
Tortoise considered the question. I believed, he said that I

730
01:06:09,400 --> 01:06:17,199
could keep going. The crowd fell quiet. Care lowered his head.

731
01:06:18,039 --> 01:06:23,159
He remembered the mocking laughter, the easy insults, the certainty

732
01:06:23,239 --> 01:06:27,360
that victory required no effort. He saw now that his

733
01:06:27,559 --> 01:06:33,119
speed had not defeated him his pride had I laughed

734
01:06:33,159 --> 01:06:40,079
at you, Hare said. At last, Yes, said Tortoise, And

735
01:06:40,199 --> 01:06:43,440
yet you challenged me. Yes?

736
01:06:45,159 --> 01:06:45,400
Speaker 1: Why?

737
01:06:47,320 --> 01:06:51,079
Speaker 2: Tortoise looked toward the path he had traveled, the meadow,

738
01:06:51,480 --> 01:06:56,519
the hill, the brook, the grove beyond. Because he said,

739
01:06:57,039 --> 01:07:03,360
there are many kinds of strength. Is speed, mine is patience?

740
01:07:04,280 --> 01:07:09,320
A race reveals more than legs. For a long moment,

741
01:07:09,760 --> 01:07:14,880
Hare said nothing. Then before all the animals of the valley,

742
01:07:15,239 --> 01:07:20,360
he bowed his head. I was foolish, he said, quietly,

743
01:07:20,920 --> 01:07:26,840
and cruel. The words were so unexpected from Hair that

744
01:07:26,880 --> 01:07:32,559
the crowd stirred in surprise. Tortoise gave a small nod.

745
01:07:33,519 --> 01:07:38,519
Then perhaps you have won something after all. From that

746
01:07:38,760 --> 01:07:43,360
day forward, Hare still ran swiftly, for he could not

747
01:07:43,599 --> 01:07:47,840
cease to be what he was, But he boasted less.

748
01:07:48,800 --> 01:07:53,280
When young animals praised his speed, he thanked them without

749
01:07:53,320 --> 01:07:57,280
mocking others. And when he saw tortoise crossing the meadow

750
01:07:57,440 --> 01:08:00,599
inch by inch beneath the sun, he did not laugh.

751
01:08:02,440 --> 01:08:06,400
As for Tortoise, he returned to his sandy patch by

752
01:08:06,440 --> 01:08:10,199
the meadow and lived much as he had before. He

753
01:08:10,239 --> 01:08:13,800
did not become proud of his victory, for he understood

754
01:08:14,159 --> 01:08:19,399
that one success is no reason for vanity. Yet the

755
01:08:19,479 --> 01:08:23,560
animals greeted him with new respect, and many who had

756
01:08:23,600 --> 01:08:28,960
once overlooked him now listened when he spoke. In time,

757
01:08:30,039 --> 01:08:34,359
the story of the race spread beyond the valley, beyond

758
01:08:34,399 --> 01:08:39,720
the hills, and into distant forests and fields. It was

759
01:08:39,840 --> 01:08:45,680
told wherever creatures gathered, and wherever pride made the strong careless.

760
01:08:45,920 --> 01:08:49,760
Parents told it to their children, Teachers told it to

761
01:08:49,800 --> 01:08:54,399
their students. Travelers carried it from one country to another,

762
01:08:55,000 --> 01:09:00,159
because its truth was simple and easy to remember. The

763
01:09:00,199 --> 01:09:06,119
lesson was this, The swift may start with every advantage,

764
01:09:06,720 --> 01:09:12,359
but pride can waste even the greatest gift. Steady effort, patience,

765
01:09:12,640 --> 01:09:18,399
and humility often carry one farther than talent alone. Slow

766
01:09:18,520 --> 01:12:49,760
and steady wins the race. Super b