The Mules and the Robbers

Summary

This short story is a fable about two mules, each carrying different types of loads, illustrating themes of pride and contentment. One mule is burdened with valuable money while the other carries simple grain. The mule with the money walks proudly, acknowledging the importance of his cargo, while the other travels steadily and humbly. When robbers suddenly attack, they target the treasure-laden mule, injuring him and stealing his load, while ignoring the other mule and his grain. The hurt mule laments its fate, but the grain mule, untouched and unharmed, expresses relief at being overlooked. This story offers a moral lesson on humility, highlighting the safety and peace found in modesty and the value of being content with less.

Read Online

Two Mules well-laden with packs were trudging along. One carried panniers filled with money, the other sacks weighted with grain. The Mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect, as if conscious of the value of his burden, and tossed up and down the clear-toned bells fastened to his neck. His companion followed with quiet and easy step. All of a sudden Robbers rushed upon them from their hiding-places, and in the scuffle with their owners, wounded with a sword the Mule carrying the treasure, which they greedily seized while taking no notice of the grain. The Mule which had been robbed and wounded bewailed his misfortunes. The other replied, “I am indeed glad that I was thought so little of, for I have lost nothing, nor am I hurt with any wound.”