The Fly and the Mule
Once upon a time, at the edge of an old forest where cool waters flowed, a big mule was carrying its owner's heavy loads. Under the hot summer sun it was patiently climbing a long and steep path. Just then a little fly, gliding proudly in the air, came close to the mule's broad and strong ears. The fly was an arrogant creature that thought itself the most important and heaviest being in the world. When it saw the mule's tireless steps, it decided to settle on its back. The plump fly took its place on the mule's head and looked around, boasting. After a while, feeling that the mule had slowed down, it began to buzz in an ugly voice.
"Hey, poor mule, why do you walk so slowly?" it shouted arrogantly. "If my weight is tiring you too much, say so and I will fly at once to another branch," it said. The fly smiled behind its whiskers, thinking that its presence was crushing the huge animal. The mule, without even raising its head, went on taking its steps with the same steadiness. Getting no answer, the fly buzzed still more loudly and repeated its question. "I am talking to you: are you not afraid of being crushed under my heavy load?" it asked. When the mule came to the cool shade of a tree by the roadside, it stopped and took a deep breath.
It slowly shook its head and answered the fly on its back in a calm voice. "Believe me, I knew nothing of your presence or your absence," said the mule. "I care only about the load of the cart behind me and the whip in my owner's hand," it added. "The weight of a little fly like you is for me no more than the whisper of the wind." The fly, not understanding what had happened, did not know what to do for shame and flew quickly away. Worthless people who exaggerate their own importance never leave a trace in the eyes of the strong. The empty barrel always makes the most noise.