The Donkey and the Mule
A donkey and a mule set out with their master on a long journey. Each animal carried a load.
As he climbed the steep path up a mountain the donkey felt his load heavier than he could bear. He begged the mule to help him. “Help me, brother,” he cried, “or I shall drop.” But the mule pretended not to hear. After struggling along a little farther the poor donkey fell dead.
The master now placed the donkey’s load on the mule, giving him two loads to carry. And on top of both he piled the donkey.
“It serves me right,” said the mule to himself; “had I helped the donkey I should not now be carrying his burden.”
—Æsop