Where the tree itself proves to be a veritable garden. An infinite variety of plants grew upon it, harbouring a multitude of living organisms. All this forms a world inaccessible to anyone for whom the norm is a boundary. And it is precisely a boundary that is at stake here: the one that confines Don Carotte’s mind, and which Sang Chaud valiantly attempts to open a little through a learned lesson.
“Do not laugh, knight, if your steed seems puny to you: often the humblest mount carries one farther than the proudest charger. For greatness lies not in what you ride, but in what you are willing to follow.”
Thus spoke the wise Sang Chaud:
“No knight should disdain a mount, whatever it may be, nor scorn a path, however narrow or obscure it may appear. For often he who stoops to pass through the narrow gate is more truly valiant than he who rides proudly upon the great highways. Greatness, my lord, is measured neither by glittering armour nor by the shadow cast beneath the blazing sun, but by the heart that endures and submits to the trial without mockery or complaint.
And should you be given as a companion some little creature smaller than your pride, know that it puts you to the test, not to bring you low, but to try your soul and measure your stride.
For the Most High knows full well: sometimes it is nobler to follow the donkey than to lead the charger.”
The knight Don Carotte, deep in thought, replies:
“Master, O Sang Chaud, how can following such a beast, so humble and ridiculous, bring neither shame nor dishonour? Is it not madness to lower one's shield and bow one's head in such a manner?”
Having grown wise, Sang Chaud, who was exceedingly skilled at discerning pride beneath a helmet, gently continues:
“A fool is he who believes that greatness rests upon height. Lords and palfreys tumble together into the abyss, for the higher pride climbs, the greater the fall. But he who bows before the smallest of creatures and accepts it as his guide passes through gates invisible to the eyes of the world.
Mark this well: every knight who rejects smallness rejects his own salvation. For the trial has no face. At times, even an angel conceals himself beneath the beggar's rags.”
Having become a young man once more, Don Carotte, hearing these words, feels his heart tighten and asks:
“But, master, what if they mock me? What if they take me for a fool?”
The wise Sang Chaud then smiles and says:
“Knight-errant, that is the surest sign that you are following the right path. The people of this world never honour the path of the heart. They mock the man who follows the donkey. Yet the donkey goes where no horse would dare set hoof. And at the end of the path, it is the donkey that enters the kingdom, while the horse remains at the gate.”
With that, the sage falls silent, leaving the echo alone to carry his lesson.
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