A horse was shut up in a paddock near Leeds, in a corner of which stood
a pump with a tub beneath it. The groom, however, often forgot to fill
the tub, the horse having thus no water to drink. The animal had
observed the way in which water was procured, and one night, when the
tub was empty, was seen to take the pump handle in his mouth, and work
it with his head till he had procured as much water as he required.
What a wise horse he was! How much wiser than some young ladies and
gentlemen, who, when there is no water in their jugs, or their shoes are
not cleaned, dress without washing rather than take the trouble of
getting it for themselves, or wear dirty shoes rather than take them
down to be cleaned, or clean them for themselves.
My young friends, remember through life that sensible horse. Take the
pump by the handle, and work away with it till you have brought up the
water.