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These stories provided by children's author Rick Walton's Online Library.
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The Ass and the Mule
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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."
(from Aesop's Fables, translated by George Townsend)
Picture Credits
Original bunny climbing rope picture by Paige Miglio (copyright 2000 ©) from One More Bunny authored by Rick Walton.
Original purple monster picture by Renee Williams-Andriani (copyright 1998 ©) from Really, Really Bad School Jokes authored by Rick Walton.
Original bullfrog seated picture by Chris McAllister (copyright 1999 ©) from Bullfrog Pops! authored by Rick Walton.
Electronic modifications by Ann Walton.
Last updated: September 27, 2003