The Oxen and the Butchers

Once upon a time, the oxen sought to destroy the butchers, who practiced a trade that was destructive to their kind. They assembled on a certain day with the intent to carry out their purpose, sharpening their horns in preparation for the contest ahead.

However, among them was an exceedingly old ox, one who had plowed many fields over the years. He spoke wisely to his fellow oxen:

"These butchers, it is true, slaughter us, but they do so with skillful hands and without causing unnecessary pain. If we rid ourselves of them, we may fall into the hands of unskilled operators, and thus suffer a double death. You can be assured that even if all the butchers were to perish, men would never lack for beef."

His words served as a reminder that it is unwise to hastily exchange one evil for another.