Tag Archives: The Fly and the Draught-Mule

137.The Fly and the Draught-Mule

A FLY sat on the axle-tree of a chariot, and addressing the draught-mule said,

“How slow you are! Why do you not go faster? See if I don’t prick your neck with my sting.”

The draught-mule replied,

“I don’t heed your threats; I only care for him who sits above you, and who quickens my pace with his whip, or holds me back with the reins. Away, therefore, with your insolence, for I know well when to go fast, and when to go slow.”