The Horse and the Ass

The Horse and the Ass is a short story by Jean de La Fontaine that conveys a moral lesson on the importance of humility. It tells the story of a vain horse who despises an ass working tirelessly, considering him beneath his rank. However, when the horse is ill and on the brink of death, it is the ass's labor that saves him, demonstrating that no work is inferior and everyone has a role to play.

• Fable

								
In this world every one must help his brother.
If your poor neighbour dies, his weary load
On you, perhaps, may fall, and on no other.

An Ass and Horse were travelling on the road:
The last had but the harness on his back.
The first, borne down unto the very ground,
Besought the Horse to help him, or, alack!
He'd never reach the town. In duty bound,
Apologies he made for this request:
"To you," he said, "the load will be mere sport."
The Horse refused, and snorted at the jest.
Just as he sneered, the Donkey died. In short,
He soon perceived he had not acted right,
And had his friend ill treated; for that night
They made him drag the cart through thick and thin,
And in the cart his injured comrade's skin.
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