The Donkey and His Fellow Traveller, the Dog
Long ago, a cheerful merchant lived beside an old forest and a cool stream. He had a patient donkey and a loyal dog. One sunny summer day, they set out for the village. During the journey, they rested beneath the green trees. The tired man soon fell asleep under a great oak. The very hungry donkey began eating the fresh grass eagerly.
The hungry dog wanted bread from the basket on the donkey's back. The dog whispered kindly, "Please bend down so I can take some bread." But the selfish donkey shook his head and refused to help. The donkey said, "Wait until our master wakes; I cannot give you bread." The dog felt very sad and sat quietly beneath the tree. After a while, a fearsome wolf emerged from the bushes.
The hungry wolf began running quickly towards the donkey. Trembling with fear, the donkey shouted, "Help me quickly, or the wolf will eat me!" The dog did not move and looked calmly at the donkey. "Wait until our master wakes; I cannot help you now," he said. The donkey understood his mistake, but it was already too late. Whoever will not help a friend in trouble finds no help when left alone. As our elders say, you reap what you sow.