An old hawker was in the habit of traversing the country with his ass,
which had served him faithfully for many years. To help himself along,
he used frequently to catch hold of the animal's tail.
The winter wind was blowing strongly, and snow had long been falling
heavily, when the old hawker found himself suddenly plunged with the ass
into a deep drift. In vain he struggled to get out, and fully believed
that his last hour had come. The ass succeeded better, and reached the
road; but after looking about and finding his master missing, he once
more made his way through the drift, and then, placing himself in a
position which enabled the old hawker to catch hold of his tail, the
faithful beast dragged him safely out.
Never despise the help offered by a humble friend. We are all apt to
over-estimate our own strength and wisdom.