驴和骡子 The Ass and the Mule

 

      A MULETEER set forth on a journey, driving before him an Ass and a Mule, both well laden.  The Ass, as long as he traveled along the plain, carried his load with ease, but when he began to ascend the steep path of the mountain, felt his load to be more than he could bear.  He entreated his companion to relieve him of a small portion, that he might carry home the rest; but the Mule paid no attention to the request.  The Ass shortly afterwards fell down dead under his burden.  Not knowing what else to do in so wild a region, the Muleteer placed upon the Mule the load carried by the Ass in addition to his own, and at the top of all placed the hide of the Ass, after he had skinned him.  The Mule, groaning beneath his heavy burden, said to himself:  "I am treated according to my deserts.  If I had only been willing to assist the Ass a little in his need, I should not now be bearing, together with his burden, himself as well." 

      有一天，驴夫赶着驴子和骡子一起驮货赶路。驴子十分气愤他们俩驮的东西一样多，而骡子认为自己应吃双倍饲料。他们刚走一会儿，驴夫看见驴子有点走不动了，便从他背上拿下一部分货物，加在骡子背上。他们又走了一会儿，驴夫看到驴累得更加不行了，又取了一部分货物，最后把驴驮的所有货物，全加在骡子背上。这时，骡子回过头对驴子说：“喂，朋友，你现在还气愤我吃双倍饲料吗？”

      这故事是说，不要与别人斤斤计较，各人都有自己该做的事，该得的酬劳。