A MULETEER set forth on a journey, driving before him an Ass and a
Mule, both well laden. The Ass, as long as he traveled along the plain,
carried his load with ease, but when he began to ascend the steep path of
the mountain, felt his load to be more than he could bear. He entreated
his companion to relieve him of a small portion, that he might carry home
the rest; but the Mule paid no attention to the request. The Ass shortly
afterwards fell down dead under his burden. Not knowing what else to do in
so wild a region, the Muleteer placed upon the Mule the load carried by
the Ass in addition to his own, and at the top of all placed the hide of
the Ass, after he had skinned him. The Mule, groaning beneath his heavy
burden, said to himself: "I am treated according to my deserts. If I had
only been willing to assist the Ass a little in his need, I should not now
be bearing, together with his burden, himself as well."
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