The Donkey and the Lyre
Once upon a time, at the edge of an old forest where cool waters flowed, there lived a lovely donkey. This donkey loved grazing in the green meadows and resting in the shade of the pine trees. When spring came, the forest filled with colourful flowers, and a sweet wind blew among the branches. One day, while the donkey was walking on the soft grass, he saw a shining wooden object hidden among the bushes. When he came closer and looked carefully, he understood that it was a wonderful lyre with very thin strings. The elegant body of the instrument and its strings shining in the sun interested the donkey very much. He took a step forward with curiosity and began to examine this strange object by smelling it.
Then he slowly lifted his hard hoof and touched the strings of the lyre gently. A loud and trembling sound suddenly rose from the strings and echoed in the silent forest. The donkey felt great excitement at this sound and lifted his ears with joy. But because his hooves were too rough, only noise came out every time he touched the strings. He wanted very much to create a beautiful melody, but he could not do it at all. He felt the beauty that the lyre could give, but he also understood his own lack of skill. With a deep sigh, the donkey looked at the strings and spoke sadly to himself.
“What a pity that this fine instrument, which should reach the hands of a good musician, has come to me,” he said. If a skilful artist found this lyre, he would enchant the whole forest with wonderful melodies. But my rough hooves only make noise, and they cannot give this beautiful instrument its value. So as not to harm the beauty of the lyre, the donkey stepped back with respect and left the instrument on the grass. Understanding that he would not force himself into work beyond his skill, he went on his way in peace. He went on enjoying the meadows and the simple life that suited his own nature. Every task has its master, and true value appears only in skilful hands. Let the work go to the one who knows it, and the sword to the one who can carry it.