Sunday, January 13, 2013

< RM > story - The Ass and the Mule

The Ass and the Mule

A Muleteer set forth on a journey, driving
before him an Ass and a Mule, both well
laden. The Ass, as long as he traveled along
the plain, carried his load with ease, but
when he began to ascend the steep path of
the mountain, felt his load to be more than
he could bear. He entreated his companion to
relieve him of a small portion that he might
carry home the rest; but the Mule paid no
attention to the request. The Ass shortly
afterwards fell down dead under his burden.
Not knowing what else to do in so wild a
region, the Muleteer placed upon the Mule
the load carried by the Ass in addition to his
own, and at the top of all placed the hide of
the Ass, after he had skinned him. The Mule,
groaning beneath his heavy burden, said to
himself: "I am treated according to my
deserts. If I had only been willing to assist
the Ass a little in his need, I should not now
be bearing, together with his burden, himself
as well."

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