The horse, hunter and stag

Summary

This story is a fable about a Horse who seeks the help of a Hunter to take revenge on a Stag. The Hunter agrees to assist but warns the Horse that he must allow certain restraints to be placed on him for the plan to succeed. Trusting the Hunter's promises, the Horse accepts, and together they eventually defeat the Stag. However, once the victory is achieved, the Horse finds that the Hunter has no intention of removing the restraints, as he prefers to maintain control over the Horse. This tale serves as a cautionary lesson about the consequences of placing trust in others out of vengeance and how short-term alliances can result in unintended subjugation.

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A quarrel had arisen between the Horse and the Stag, so the Horse came to a Hunter to ask his help to take revenge on the Stag. The Hunter agreed, but said: “If you desire to conquer the Stag, you must permit me to place this piece of iron between your jaws, so that I may guide you with these reins, and allow this saddle to be placed upon your back so that I may keep steady upon you as we follow after the enemy.” The Horse agreed to the conditions, and the Hunter soon saddled and bridled him. Then with the aid of the Hunter the Horse soon overcame the Stag, and said to the Hunter: “Now, get off, and remove those things from my mouth and back.”

“Not so fast, friend,” said the Hunter. “I have now got you under bit and spur, and prefer to keep you as you are at present.”