The Ass and the Mule Carrying the Same Load

An ass and a mule were travelling together. Now the ass, seeing that their loads were equal, was indignant and complained that the mule, judged worthy of a double ration, carried no more than he did. But when they had gone a little way, the ass-driver, noticing that the ass could go no further, took off part of his load and put it on the mule. When they had gone a little further, seeing the ass still more exhausted, he took off another part of his load, and at last, taking the rest, he removed it from the ass and shifted it onto the mule. Then the mule, turning his eyes towards his companion, said to him, "Well, my friend, don't you find it fair that I should be honoured with a double ration?"