The Unlucky Wolf, the Fox and the Mule
Once upon a time, at the edge of an old forest where cool waters flowed, there lived a deceitful fox and a proud wolf. These two partners kept searching for prey among the dense trees all day long to fill their hungry bellies. At last, in the middle of a green meadow, they saw a huge mule grazing carefree. The wolf eyed his prey and licked his lips with appetite, wanting to seize this tasty morsel at once. The cunning fox, however, acted cautiously and preferred to stay behind with sly steps. The wolf approached the mule with a bold manner and called out to him in a reproachful voice. "O mule, the price of this beautiful meadow is heavy, you must let me eat you at once!" he said.
The clever mule, without flinching, narrowed his gaze and answered in a perfectly calm manner. "You may eat me, but my owner engraved my selling price under my hind horseshoe," he said. "If you know how to read and write, first read my price so that I may give you my blessing," he added. The wolf, blinded by greed, immediately accepted the mule's cunning offer. The proud wolf, who wanted to hide his ignorance, went behind the mule with a knowing air. The fox, meanwhile, began to watch this strange bargain from behind the bushes with curious eyes. The mule lifted his steel-hard foot into the air and held out his horseshoes before the wolf's eyes.
The wolf brought his head very close to the mule's foot to read the imaginary writings on the horseshoe. At that very moment the mule lashed out with a tremendous kick with all his strength and struck the wolf's jaw. The stunned wolf rolled backwards amid screams and collapsed to the ground covered in blood. The clever mule, neighing merrily, hurried away towards the depths of the forest and disappeared. The fox came up to the wounded wolf and snickered at his pitiful state. Proud people who take on work they do not know and boast beyond their means finally receive a hard lesson. Late repentance brings no benefit.