The Soldier and His Horse in War
During wartime, a soldier fed his loyal horse the highest quality barley, never lacked in his care, and protected him like his own eye. However, when war ended and peace arrived, the soldier forced his horse to carry heavy loads, fed him straw, and neglected his care. While the horse became worn out and weak under heavy labor, after some time passed, a fierce war broke out again in the country. The soldier put on his armor and leaped onto the back of his weakened horse, but the helpless horse could not bear the soldier's weight and collapsed to the ground.
The horse said to the soldier "You worked me like a donkey and fed me straw in peacetime, now you cannot expect me to act like a horse going to war." Those who do not value their servants and friends in good days and wear them out cannot expect strength and loyalty from them in times of distress. Neglect and disloyalty during peacetime bring disaster and defeat in times of war. The continuation of friendship and loyalty depends on fidelity shown at all times and under all conditions.
One who neglects in good days finds no support in hard days. A horse fed on straw collapses in war. Fidelity is essential under all conditions. Neglect in peace brings defeat in war.
Loyalty requires continuous care. The end of disloyalty is loneliness. Finding a friend in bad days depends on care in good days.