Aesop

The Fly and the Draught-Mule

Summary

The story is a fable that illustrates the theme of ignoring unnecessary criticism and focusing on the guidance of those who truly control your course. In the narrative, a fly, perched on a chariot's axle-tree, arrogantly chastises a hard-working draught-mule for moving slowly, threatening to sting it to make it go faster. The mule, unfazed by the fly's meaningless threats, responds that it only listens to the driver who is in control and can influence its pace using the reins and whip. This teaches a lesson on respecting authority and understanding where relevant guidance comes from, demonstrating the importance of disregarding baseless provocations from those who lack real influence.

Read Online

A Fly sat on the axle-tree of a chariot, and addressing the Draught-Mule said, “How slow you are! Why do you not go faster? See if I do not prick your neck with my sting.” The Draught-Mule replied, “I do not heed your threats; I only care for him who sits above you, and who quickens my pace with his whip, or holds me back with the reins. Away, therefore, with your insolence, for I know well when to go fast, and when to go slow.”

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