The Bear and the Travelers
A musical retelling of Aesop's fable about true friendship in times of danger
Two friends set off down a winding road, Sharing the journey, sharing the load. "If trouble comes," they each did say, "We'll face it together, come what may."
The forest grew dark, the branches grew low, Then a sound made them both stand still-- A growl, and a crash, coming over the hill.
A bear! A bear! Coming out of its lair!
One friend scrambled up the nearest tree, Climbed so fast, quick as quick could be. Left the other standing there below, Nowhere to hide and nowhere to go.
The second friend remembered something he'd heard: "Bears won't touch you if you don't say a word." So he lay on the ground, held perfectly still, Didn't move a muscle, using all of his will.
The bear came close, Sniffed from head to toes. Then it turned around and lumbered away, Leaving the friend where he chose to lay.
The first friend climbed down, "What did the bear whisper in your ear?"
His friend looked him straight in the eye: "Never travel with a friend who abandons you. A friend who runs is no friend, I'd say."