The Charger and the Miller

A charger, feeling the infirmities of age, was sent to work in a mill instead of going out to battle. As he was compelled to grind grain instead of serving in the wars, he lamented his change of fortune. Reflecting on his former state, he sighed, "Ah! Miller, I used to go campaigning before. I was adorned with armor from head to tail, and a man was always there to groom me. Now, I cannot understand why I ever preferred the mill to the battlefield."

"Forbear," said the Miller to him, "from dwelling on what has passed, for it is the common lot of mortals to experience the ups and downs of fortune."