The Wild Donkey and the Donkey
Once upon a time, a free wild donkey lived by a green valley where cool waters flowed. This wild donkey would run freely in the mountains, eat fresh grass, and enjoy his freedom. One summer morning, he saw a domestic donkey carrying a load on the dusty road passing through the valley. The domestic donkey's saddle shone brightly, his fur was combed, and he looked quite well-groomed. Seeing his fancy appearance, the wild donkey envied his life and approached him.
The wild donkey curiously said, "What a lucky and well-cared-for little animal you are." The domestic donkey proudly raised his head and explained that his master gave him delicious wheat every day. "Being owned is a wonderful feeling, I never stay hungry, and I have a warm barn," he added. Just then, his master walking behind struck the donkey's back hard with the thick stick in his hand. Shouting angrily, the man said, "Walk fast, we must deliver these heavy sacks to the town by evening." The domestic donkey groaned in pain and tried to walk, crushed under the heavy load.
Watching this sad scene, the wild donkey pulled back in surprise. Seeing the bruises on the donkey's back and the fear in his eyes, a great sadness filled him. The wild donkey understood that the price of delicious wheat was the whip and heavy slavery. Thankful for his own lean body and the food he sometimes couldn't find, he started running toward the mountains. Returning to the wide meadows where he breathed freely, his heart overflowed with joy. He knew very well now that rather than living under someone else's command, he would prefer his own free poverty.
Comfort offered by another can never be more valuable than the peace and independence brought by freedom. They put the nightingale in a golden cage, and it said, "oh my homeland."