A grocer went to a city not far away to get some salt. He took his
donkey along to carry the load. On their way they had to cross a
little stream over which there was only a narrow footbridge.
When they reached the city, the grocer placed some heavy sacks of
salt upon the donkey's back and they started homeward.
On reaching the middle of the stream, the donkey stumbled and
fell. As he arose, the water dripped down his sides and he noticed
that his load had become much lighter.
The grocer had lost so much salt that it was necessary for him to
return to the city and get a fresh supply. This time he put on a
heavier load than at first.
When they reached the stream, the donkey said to himself, "This is
a very heavy load that I am carrying, but I know how to make it
lighter," and he lay down in the stream. When he arose, his load
was much lighter, as he had expected.
"I will break him of that trick," said the grocer.
He drove the donkey to the city again, and heaped great bags of
sponges upon his back.
The load was not very heavy, but the donkey said to himself, "I
will make it still lighter."
When he came to the stream, he lay down again in the water. He
started to rise, but to his surprise he could hardly get up.
"What can be the matter?" he thought.
His master, laughing, said, "Have you learned your lesson, old
fellow? We shall see."
He drove the groaning donkey slowly back to the city, took the
sponges from his back, and loaded him again with salt.
When the donkey came again to the stream, he picked his way
carefully, for he did not wish to fall. This time he got across
safely, and the grocer arrived at home with his entire load of
salt.