A Muleteer set forth on a journey along with his ass and mule, both laden with provisions for the journey and wares. The ass traveled the plains with ease, carrying his burden happily. But when they began to ascend the steep paths of the mountains, he felt unable to bear the load.
He requested his companion, the mule, to relieve him of a small portion of his burden, but the mule paid no attention to his entreaties. The ass soon fell down dead under the load.
Not seeing anyone around, the muleteer skinned the ass, and placed its hide, along with the load it was carrying on the mule’s back.
The mule, groaning under the heavy load, said to himself, “I have got what I deserved. If only I had been willing to help the ass in his need, I would not be bearing this additional burden and would also have a companion.
Prevention is indeed, better than cure.”
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