A Caterpillar stretches and breaks trying to be as long as a Snake.
[Note: Perry cataloged this as a Caterpillar however the original Greek written by Chambry translates to a Fox.]
Chambry (A Fox and a Serpent)
Note: The Chambry collection is published in Greek. AI was used to translate the Greek to this text:
There was a fig tree by the road. A fox, seeing a serpent sleeping there, envied its length. Wishing to match it in size, she lay down beside it and tried to stretch herself out, until she strained so much that she burst apart.
This happens to those who compete with their betters; for they more quickly destroy themselves than are able to reach them.
How do you think an AI might simplify this fable? Here is one answer, and the illustration above was made from this simplification:
The Fox Who Tried to Be as Long as the Serpent
A fox once saw a great serpent asleep and wished to be just as long. She stretched and strained to match it, but only tore herself apart.
Moral
Do not try to equal those far greater than you, or you may ruin yourself in the effort.
Perry. #268