The Two Mules

The Two Mules is a fable by Jean de La Fontaine that explores the themes of inequality, power structures, and individual destiny. In the story, two mules are traveling together: one carries food while the other carries gold. When they are attacked, the mule carrying the gold is taken by the attackers. This narrative gives a moral insight about the dangers of vanity and value placed on material wealth, educating readers to question societal norms and the cost of perceived social status.

• Fable

								
Two Mules were journeying--one charged with oats,
The other with a tax's golden fruit.
This last betrayed that manner which denotes
Excessive vanity in man or brute.
Proudly self-conscious of his precious load,
He paced, and loud his harness-bells resounded;
When suddenly upon their lonely road,
Both Mules and masters were by thieves surrounded.
The money-bearer soon was put to death:
"Is this the end that crowns my high career?
Yon drudge," he murmured with his latest breath,
"Escapes unhurt, while I must perish here!"
"My friend," his fellow-traveller made reply,
"Wealth cannot always at the poor man scoff.
If you had been content to do as I,
You'd not at present be so badly off."
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes