A Carter was driving a wagon along a country lane, when the wheels sank
down deep into a rut. The rustic driver, stupefied and aghast, stood looking
at the wagon, and did nothing but utter loud cries to Hercules to come and
help him. Hercules, it is said, appeared and thus addressed him: “Put your
shoulders to the wheels, my man. Goad on your bullocks, and never more
pray to me for help, until you have done your best to help yourself, or
depend upon it you will henceforth pray in vain.”
