You are not big enough to be of any use at all." Marco thought of the fable of the mouse and the lion, but since his new companion was in such ill-humor, he thought he would say no more to him.

A resentful reply to the epithet "little fool," did in fact rise to his lips, but he suppressed it and said nothing.
It was fortunate for Marco that he did so.

For whenever any person has said any thing harsh, unjust, or cruel, the most effectual reply is, generally, silence.

It leaves the offender to think of what he has said, and conscience will often reprove him in silence, far more effectually than words could do it.

This was the case in this instance.