Aesop
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Greece

The Ass and The Horse

The Ass requested food from the Horse, who refused and promised more later; the Ass saw through the empty promises and remained content.
Trust
Wisdom
Understanding
Aesop's Fables - The Ass and The Horse
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, in a peaceful farm, there lived an Ass and a Horse. They were neighbors, living side by side, but their meals were quite different. The Horse always had plenty of good food like fresh hay and barley, while the Ass mostly ate simple food.

One day, the Ass gathered his courage and approached the Horse. "Dear friend," said the Ass politely, "Could you share a little of your tasty food with me?"

The Horse, who thought himself superior to the Ass, replied, "Sure, I can give you what's left of my meal if there is any left after I'm finished eating. And, if you come to my stall in the evening, I might give you a small sack full of barley."

The Ass was no fool. He understood that the Horse, who wouldn't share a little bit of food now, would probably not share a larger amount later.

"Thank you," responded the Ass. "But, I don't believe you will give me more later when you won't even share a tiny bit with me now."

From then on, the Ass realized that promises from those who can't show kindness in small ways are often empty. The Ass kept to his simple meals and was happier knowing he had the wisdom to see things as they truly were.

Once upon a time, in a super-fun farm that was like the playhouse of the countryside, there were two pals: an Ass and a Horse. Talk about different lunchboxes! The Horse was the king of snack time. He had the good stuff: hay that smelled amazing and barley that looked super yummy!

The Ass? He had the basics: grass, some prickly things, and once in a blue moon, a yellow flower to munch on.

One bright day, the Ass, trying to be cheeky, trotted up to the Horse. "Hey Horse," he said, wiggling his eyebrows, "How about sharing some of those five-star munchies?"

The Horse, trying to act all big and important, replied, "Hmm, let me think... If there's a teeny tiny bit left after my feast, you can have it. And hey! If you pop by later, there might—just maybe—be a little bag of barley for you."

The Ass looked at the Horse, eyes wide as saucers. "So... you won't give me a nibble now, but later there's a whole party in a bag? Sounds... fishy."

The Horse just swished his tail, "Oh, who knows! Life's a big game of hide and seek, isn’t it?"

The Ass giggled, "More like you're playing 'pin the tail' and missing the point!" He took a playful bite of his grass. "My food might be budget-friendly, but at least I'm not buying what you're selling!"

And as the days rolled by, the Horse munched on his fancy food, and the Ass? He had his simple snacks but also had a big, happy grin. Not because of what he ate, but because he knew a joke when he saw one. And he was definitely not the punchline!

Horse and Ass, a tale to tell,
Lived as neighbors, you know well.
Horse with hay and barley dined,
While Ass ate less, but didn't mind.

Ass was curious, took a stand,
Asked, "Could I try food so grand?"
Horse said, "Sure, when I have my fill,
I'll give you leftovers, if you will."

And furthermore, the Horse did speak,
"Come evening time, within a week,
A sack of barley could be yours,"
As if he'd open all his stores.

Ass shook his head, with eyes so wise,
He saw right through the Horse's lies.
"If you won't share a bite today,
What makes me think you'll change your way?"

"Thank you, Horse," Ass did respond,
"But I'll keep grazing on my pond.
For empty promises won't feed,
Kindness in the now is what we need."

Ass found his peace, his wisdom grew,
True kindness wasn't what Horse knew.
He ate his meals, so plain and small,
Yet knew he was the richest of them all.

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Understanding Questions

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Horse refused to share his food with the Ass?
  2. How did the Ass feel when the Horse promised him food later?
  3. Can you recall a time when someone made a promise they didn't keep, just like the Horse did?
  4. What does this story teach us about promises and the importance of being kind in small ways?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this story in our own lives to make sure we are honest and kind to others?

Fable Quotes

Trust is built on actions, not words; empty promises reveal the true character within.
True wisdom knows the emptiness of promises from those unwilling to share in small measures.
To understand the true intent of others, observe their small acts.
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