The Two Mules and the Thieves
Once upon a time, two mules were walking side by side on a narrow path stretching in the shade of thick pine trees. One of them carried heavy sacks full of gold belonging to the king's treasury, the other plain sacks of wheat being taken to the mill. The mule carrying the gold stepped proudly, jingling the silver bells on its neck, and fairly scattered arrogance around it. The other mule, whose load was worthless, went on its way quietly and patiently with its head down. The songs of birds coming from the depths of the forest accompanied the calm rhythm of this journey. The arrogant mule boasted, turned to its companion and began to speak with a scornful air. "Look at the shining treasure on my back; I carry a precious load fit for kings!" it said.
The humble mule took a deep breath and shook its head slightly. "I am only doing my duty, my friend; a heavy load and fame do not always bring peace," it answered. When the sun was right overhead, armed robbers suddenly appeared at a hidden bend. The leader of the robbers followed the sound of the silver bells and threw himself straight at the mule carrying the gold. The men, who wanted to seize the rich load, attacked the poor animal without mercy and wounded it with blows of their sticks. The robbers quickly plundered the heavy sacks full of gold and vanished into the darkness of the forest. The mule carrying the wheat, because of its worthless load, did not draw the thieves' interest at all and stayed unharmed.
After the robbers had gone, the arrogant mule, lying on the ground with bleeding wounds, began to groan in pain. "Because of my heavy load and my showy bearing I nearly lost my life; how wrong I was!" it sobbed. The other mule came tenderly up to its companion and tried to bind its wounds. The humble animal, thankful to be alive, comforted its friend and slowly helped it to its feet. The two friends went on their way more wisely after this bitter experience that came after the storm. Showy riches often invite great dangers, while a plain and humble life protects a person from disasters. A little food, a mind free of care.