Hercules and the Carter

A cart driver was transporting a wagon filled with a merchant's goods when the wheels became stuck in a deep rut. Frustrated, he began to pray to Hercules for assistance, relying solely on divine intervention without making any effort to solve the problem himself.

Hercules, observing the scene, replied, “Indolent fellow! You ask me to help you, but you will not help yourself.” Realizing the folly of his inaction, the cart driver decided to take matters into his own hands. He unloaded several of the most valuable items from the wagon, and with the extra weight removed, the horses were able to pull the wagon free and continue on their journey.