The Chameleon and the Monkey's Judgment

The Chameleon and the Monkey were arguing over a bunch of ripe bananas. They went to the Lion, the king of the forest, for judgment. The Lion, who was busy, said, "I cannot be bothered with this. You will settle it with a trial of character. Go to the edge of the great gorge and return. The one who shows the best character on the journey will have the bananas." The Monkey, being fast, immediately began to show off. He leaped from tree to tree, performing great acrobatics, chattering and boasting of his speed. The Chameleon, as is his nature, moved very slowly and deliberately, saying nothing. When they returned, the Monkey said, "I have won! My speed and agility prove my superiority!" The Lion replied, "No. On your journey, you were so busy showing off that you knocked a bird's nest from a tree and did not stop to help. The Chameleon, moving slowly, saw the fallen nest. He took the time to gently carry the chicks back up to their mother. The Monkey displayed skill, but the Chameleon displayed compassion. The bananas belong to the Chameleon."