THE CONCEITED COACHMAN

A Folktale Once there was a coachman whose duty was to drive the carriage of Yen Tzu, the prime minister of the state of Chi. One day, the coachman's wife saw her husband from their gate, looking very proud and conceited as he drove the four horses. He sat with his head high, looking very much like a prince as he sat under the great carriage awning. When the coachman went home, his wife told him she wanted to leave him. "But why?" asked the coachman husband. He could not recall any mis- deed he has done which could cause her China to leave him. "Yen Tzu is prime minister of Chi," she replied. "He is famed through- out the state. But I saw him today, deep in thought and not giving himself any airs. You are only a coachman, yet you looked so conceited and so pleased with yourself. That's why I want to leave you," replied his wife. After this, her husband behaved more modestly. When Yen Tzu, sur- prised at his change, inquired the reason for this, the coachman told him the truth. Then Yen Tzu recommended him for an official post or promotion.

1. What caused the coachman to be conceited? Was he conscious of his defect?

2. How did the coachman's wife point out to her husband his defect? Was she effective? Can you think of another approach?

3. How did the prime minister reward the coachman's change of behavior? What does this tell you about the prime minister?

4. Are you familiar with the fable of "The Heron on the Carabao's Back?" (The heron felt so proud atop the carabao because she looked taller.) Can you see any similarity between the two stories?​