The Proud Horse
Long ago, in a broad valley covered with sweet-scented flowers, there lived an arrogant horse. This horse took pride in his golden ornaments and his silken saddle, and always treated the animals around him with contempt. His owner led him about in gilded reins, and everyone in the valley gazed at his beauty with envy. On the same farm there also lived a humble donkey, who worked without rest from the first light of morning until night. Every day the donkey carried heavy sacks of firewood and went on his way without ever complaining. One hot summer day, the arrogant horse met the donkey on a narrow path, carrying a heavy load. When the donkey, whose knees trembled with exhaustion, was a little slow to move to the edge of the road, the horse neighed with anger.
The horse lifted his chin with a proud air and looked at the donkey with eyes full of scorn. "Out of my way, you wretched creature, or I shall crush you beneath my powerful kicks!" he shouted. The astonished donkey stepped aside in silence, and answered those insolent words with nothing but a deep sigh. The horse, meanwhile, swung his ornate saddle, strode on proudly and went on mocking the donkey's poverty. Months passed, and on a cold winter day of harsh winds the arrogant horse suffered an unlucky accident. His owner tore the ornate saddle from the back of this horse, who was now lame and could no longer run fast. Sold for heavy labour, the horse was now given the task of carrying the villagers' sacks of manure.
Having lost his old days of splendour, the horse began to walk with difficulty along dusty roads, his knees buckling. One day, when he met his old companion the donkey on the path again, he bowed his head in shame. The donkey looked at the once proud horse, crushed beneath his burden, and shook his head with sorrow. "Do you see," said the donkey, "the heavy loads you once despised are now resting on your own back." The arrogant horse had understood at last that wealth and strength are passing things, but now it was far too late. The changes that life brings teach every boastful heart to be humble in the end. Eat a big bite, but do not speak a big word.