An Ass was being driven along a road leading down the mountain
side, when he suddenly took it into his silly head to choose his
own path. He could see his stall at the foot of the mountain, and
to him the quickest way down seemed to be over the edge of the
nearest cliff. Just as he was about to leap over, his master
caught him by the tail and tried to pull him back, but the
stubborn Ass would not yield and pulled with all his might.
"Very well," said his master, "go your way, you willful beast,
and see where it leads you."
With that he let go, and the foolish Ass tumbled head over heels
down the mountain side.
_They who will not listen to reason but stubbornly go their own
way against the friendly advice of those who are wiser than they,
are on the road to misfortune._