Two Springs split. The stronger chided the weaker but the weaker went to a meadow and collected more water. Eventually the stronger had to join too.
Sometimes joining forces is for the best.
JBR Collection
Two Springs which issued from the same fountain began their courses together; one of them took her way in a silent gentle stream, while the other rushed along with a sounding and rapid current. “Sister,” said the latter, “at the rate you move, you will probably be dried up before you advance much farther; whereas, for myself, I will venture a wager that within two or three hundred furlongs I shall become navigable, and after distributing commerce and wealth wherever I flow, I shall majestically proceed to pay my tribute to the ocean. So farewell, dear sister, and patiently submit to your fate.” Her sister made no reply, but calmly descending to the meadows below, increased her stream by numberless little rills which she collected in her progress, till at length she was enabled to rise into a considerable river; whilst the proud Stream who had the vanity to depend solely upon her own sufficiency, continued a shallow brook, and was at last glad to be helped forward by throwing herself into the arms of her despised sister.