The Horse and the Stag

Summary

This story illustrates the consequences of seeking revenge and the loss of freedom that can result from it. A Horse initially roams freely in a plain but is soon joined by a Stag, leading to a desire for vengeance from the Horse. In seeking aid from a man to punish the Stag, the Horse agrees to let the man ride him, with the promise of help. However, this agreement results in the Horse becoming enslaved to the man, rather than achieving his intended revenge on the Stag. The narrative conveys a cautionary message about being mindful of the consequences of one's actions and the potential for unintended outcomes when enlisting others for personal vendettas.

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At one time the Horse had the plain entirely to himself. Then a Stag intruded into his domain and shared his pasture. The Horse, desiring to revenge himself on the stranger, asked a man if he were willing to help him in punishing the Stag. The man replied that if the Horse would receive a bit in his mouth and agree to carry him, he would contrive effective weapons against the Stag. The Horse consented and allowed the man to mount him. From that hour he found that instead of obtaining revenge on the Stag, he had enslaved himself to the service of man.