In a pond lived an old crane who used to catch fish every day. But as he grew older, hunting became difficult. So, he thought to himself, “I can’t hunt like before — I need to try something clever.”
He came up with a plan. He stood silently on one leg at the edge of the pond, pretending to be sad. The fish, crabs, and frogs asked, “Why are you standing so still and quiet?”
The crane replied,
— “This pond will dry up soon. I’m heartbroken and don’t know where to go.”
The creatures panicked. Then the crane added,
— “There is a large pond far away. If you wish, I can carry you there one by one.”
The animals agreed. Each day, the crane would carry one animal in his beak — but instead of taking them to a new pond, he flew to a lonely place and ate them.
One day, a clever crab agreed to go. As the crane flew with the crab, the crab noticed the surroundings and realized the crane’s real plan. At once, the crab used its pincer-like claws and cut the crane’s neck.
Lesson: Intelligence can save you from danger. But waiting too long for the perfect moment may lead to loss.
Moral: Waiting for the right opportunity is wise, but delay can lead to nothing