The Donkey Bought on Trial
Long ago, a kind merchant lived in a pretty village of flowers. In his garden there was green grass and there were huge stables. One day the merchant went to the market and saw a fine donkey. He did not buy the donkey at once, but wanted to test it first. The seller smiled, accepted this wish and gave him the donkey.
The merchant brought the new donkey to his own wide stable. Many lovely donkeys with very different habits lived in that stable. The new donkey came in quietly through the stable door. He did not look at the hard-working donkeys around him. He went straight to the laziest and greediest donkey of the stable. He became friends with him at once and lay down beside him.
The merchant saw this, shook his head and was very surprised. The merchant took the donkey's rope and led it out of the stable. He lost no time and set off towards the market place. He gave the donkey back to its old owner and asked for his money. In great surprise the seller asked the reason for this quick decision.
The merchant said, "One minute with him was enough for me." Because every creature carries the habits of the friend it chooses.
Tell me who your friend is, and I will tell you who you are.