The Ass and the Charger

Summary

The story presents a moral lesson about envy and understanding one's circumstances through the interaction between an Ass and a Horse. Initially, the Ass envies the Horse for having a life that seems easy and well-provided for compared to his own life of hard work and scarcity. However, when war breaks out, the Horse is ridden into battle and meets a tragic end. Observing this, the Ass realizes that while the Horse's life appeared enviable, it also came with unforeseen dangers and responsibilities. The fable illustrates the theme that others' lives may not be as desirable as they appear and that different roles come with their own sets of challenges. This story can help parents and teachers discuss topics like empathy, gratitude, and the perils of jealousy with children.

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An Ass congratulated a Horse on being so ungrudgingly and carefully provided for, while he himself had scarcely enough to eat and not even that without hard work. But when war broke out, a heavily armed soldier mounted the Horse, and riding him to the charge, rushed into the very midst of the enemy. The Horse was wounded and fell dead on the battlefield. Then the Ass, seeing all these things, changed his mind, and commiserated the Horse.