A fly sat on the axle-tree of a chariot and addressed the draught mule, saying, "How slow you are! Why do you not go faster? Just see if I do not prick your neck with my sting!"
The draught mule replied, "I do not heed your threats; my only concern is for the one who sits above you. It is he who quickens my pace with his whip or holds me back with the reins. So, away with your insolence! I know well when to go fast and when to go slow."
The moral
Those in positions of power should not be swayed by the insignificant criticisms of others, as true authority knows when to act and when to remain steadfast.
Discussion questions
- What does the fly represent in our everyday lives?
- How can we apply the mule's response to criticism in our own experiences?
- Why is it important for leaders to recognize who they should listen to?
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Read it in another language
- الذبابة والبغل الذي يسحب العربة. · العربية
- Die Fliege und der Zugmuli · Deutsch
- La mosca y la mula de tiro. · Español
- مگس و قاطر بارکش · فارسی
- La mouche et le mulet de bât. · Français
- मक्खी और खींचने वाला खच्चर। · हिन्दी
- La mosca e il mulo da tiro. · Italiano
- A Mosca e a Mula de Carga. · Português
- Муха и Вьючная Лошадь. · Русский
- ఈగ మరియు డ్రాఫ్ట్ మ్యూల్ · తెలుగు
- Ang Langaw at ang Mule na Naghihila ng Kariton. · Tagalog
- Муха і в'ючний мул. · Українська
- 苍蝇与驮骡 · 中文
Good night.
Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane
