A VALIENT BOY

Read the story carefully and suggest a moral for it.

Alexander was a great king. He conquered many lands. The father of Alexander the great was King Phillip II. When Alexander was about fourteen, King Phillip’s men brought some wild horses from the hills. There was a big black horse which no one could control. Alexander saw that the horse was not a bad horse but it was afraid of something. Alexander knew the problem with the horse. “Father,” he said “I can ride that horse.” “How can a mere boy like you ride that wild horse? My best horsemen have failed to go near that horse.” said King Phillip.

Alexander said, “Let me try father, I am sure I will be able to ride the horse.” The King said, “All right my boy, go ahead.” The young boy went up to the horse. The horse was enraged, and the boy caught the bridle. He turned the horse towards the sun. All the people were astonished and afraid.

Alexander spoke soft words to the horse. The horse became quiet and soothed. Then he boldly leaped on to the back of the horse. He rode for a while and then dismounted from the horse.

“Bravo!” said King Phillip proudly. “But how did you do it?”

Alexander explained,” Father, it was easy. At first the back of the horse was towards the sun. So his own shadow fell in front of him. This black moving shadow frightened him. I made him face the sun and he did not see his shadow. He became quiet all the time I rode him.

“My son, you are not only valiant but also very clever. You will be a great king one day.”

King Phillip’s anticipation became true and his son was known as Alexander the Great.