A clownish stupid Fellow, in travelling to market with his goods,
loaded his Horse very lightly, and put a heavy burden upon his Ass, and
was trudging along the road with them on foot. They had not travelled
half-way to their journey’s end, when the Ass felt greatly overpowered
with the weight he carried, and begged the Horse would be so good
as to assist him by taking a part of it upon his back, and lighten
the grievous burden, assuring him that through weakness he was quite
exhausted, and was ready to faint. No! said the Horse, keep your burden
to yourself, it does not concern me. Upon hearing this cruel reply,
the poor Ass dropped down, and soon expired. The Master then ungirded
the pack-saddle, and awkwardly tried several ways to relieve his Ass,
but all to no purpose; it was too late. When he perceived how matters
stood, he took the whole burden and laid it upon the Horse, together
with the skin of the dead Ass, and when he felt tired with walking, he
also mounted himself. The Horse is said to have often muttered as he
went along, Well, this is my proper punishment, for refusing to help my
fellow-servant in the depth of his distress.