In Book Two, Section 100 of the Masnavi, Rumi presents the story of a small mouse who takes hold of a camel's halter. Because the docile camel follows along, the mouse becomes inflated with false pride, believing himself to be a mighty leader. This illusion is shattered when they reach a deep river; the mouse is paralyzed by fear, while the camel effortlessly wades in, exposing the mouse's true insignificance. This narrative serves as a profound metaphor for the human ego (the mouse), which falsely takes credit for the power and guidance of the spirit or the divine (the camel). The ego's arrogance is ultimately humbled when confronted with the vast, overwhelming reality of spiritual trials or divine majesty (the river).