~ 185. The Donkey and the Stallions ~


There was a donkey bent double from years of carrying heavy loads. 
The king's stable-master took pity on the donkey, and brought him to live in the royal stables with the stallions.
Looking at the fine horses, the donkey sighed. "Am I not also God's creature? Why have I suffered while they live a life of luxury?"
Then war broke out, and the army took the stallions into battle. 
Many died, and those who returned were maimed and mutilated.
"I thank God for my humble life!" exclaimed the donkey. "It has kept me safe from the wounds of the world."


Inspired by: The English prose version of Rumi in More Tales from the Masnavi by A. J. Arberry.
Notes: This is story 149 in the book.



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