A MULETEER set forth2 on a journey, driving before him an Ass3 and

　　a Mule1, both well laden4. 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 entreated5 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."

　　-"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"-