A tiny gnat lands on the horn of a huge bull and sits there resting for a long, long time. When it is ready to fly off, the gnat feels it would be rude to leave without asking the bull first.
Once upon a time, a tiny gnat flew down and landed on one of the horns of a huge bull. There it sat, resting, for a long, long time.
When the gnat had rested enough and was ready to fly off, it felt it would be rude to leave without a word. Surely the bull would want to know.
“Do you mind if I go now?” the gnat asked.
The bull only raised his eyes, without the least bit of interest, and did not move.
“It’s all the same to me,” he said. “I didn’t notice when you came, and I won’t know when you go.”
Retold by Talerie from Aesop’s Fables: a new translation (opens in a new window) Public domain Copy this text, adapt it, use it however you like. A link back to Talerie is appreciated but never required. CC0 1.0 (opens in a new window)