Tag Archives: The Donkey and His Buyer

91.The Donkey and His Buyer

A MAN wished to buy a donkey, and agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him. He took the donkey home and led it to the manger to mix with his other donkeys. Very quickly the new animal turned his back on the others and joined the one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all. Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner.

On being asked how he could have given it a fair trial in so short a time, he answered,

“I don’t need a trial. I feel certain that he’ll be like the one he chose for his companion.”

People often judge us by the company we keep.