The Ass and the Mule

A man set out on a long journey, driving a donkey and a mule in front of him. Both of them carried heavy loads. On the flat road the donkey trotted along with ease. Then they came to the mountain.

Up went the path, steep and stony. Up went the donkey, one step at a time. His knees shook. His breath came in gasps. "Friend," he panted to the mule. "Please. Take a little of my load. Just a little, and I can carry the rest home." The mule looked straight ahead and said nothing.

Up went the path. Up went the donkey, slower and slower. Then his legs gave way, and he fell down dead beneath his load.

The man did not know what else to do in that wild place. So he took the donkey's load and tied it on top of the mule's. Then he took off the donkey's hide, and he laid that on top of everything.

Up went the path. Up went the mule, groaning at every step. "I have earned this," he said to himself. "If I had helped him a little, I would not have all of his load. Now I am carrying him as well."