AESOP'S FABLES
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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