The Stone and the Chisel--a Fable

The Stone and the Chisel—a Fable

You have, perhaps, heard the story of the block of stone that had a friend called the chisel. The stone complained, "You use me very badly, my friend." "No," said the chisel, "I only do as I am bid." "Ah!" sighed the stone, "I do wish you would leave me alone." The chisel began, by the aid of the hammer, to cut away at the stone, which again complained. "Why," said the chisel, "don't you know what's to become of you?" "I wish," said the stone, "I was like that beautiful statue over there in the corner; it is beautifully carved, and rests there quite quiet and peaceful, while I am being constantly ill-used." "True," replied the chisel; "but you should know that it has passed through the same process that you are now undergoing. You cannot be at rest like that statue until you are properly prepared; and the very kindest thing I can do for you is to be unkind, and cut and carve you about as much as possible." When the chisel had done its work, and the block of stone had thus become transformed into a beautiful statue, it was very grateful to its friend the chisel for all it had done. I do not think this fable needs any comment.