A MULETEER set forth on a journey, driving before him an Ass and a Mule, both well laden. —
一名骡夫带着一头驴和一头骡子驱赶着上路，它们都背负着沉重的负荷。 —

The Ass, as long as he traveled along the plain, carried his load with ease, but when he began to ascend the steep path of the mountain, felt his load to be more than he could bear. —
驴子在走平坦的路段时轻松地扛着负重，但当它开始上坡的陡峭山路时，感觉负荷超过了它的承受能力。 —

He entreated his companion to relieve him of a small portion, that he might carry home the rest; —
它请求伙伴分担一部分，这样 它可以负荷剩下的回家。 —

but the Mule paid no attention to the request. —
然而，骡子对这个请求毫不理会。 —

The Ass shortly afterwards fell down dead under his burden. —
不久后，驴子在负荷下倒下死了。 —

Not knowing what else to do in so wild a region, the Muleteer placed upon the Mule the load carried by the Ass in addition to his own, and at the top of all placed the hide of the Ass, after he had skinned him. —
骡夫不知如何是好，因为他在如此荒凉的地方，便将驴子身上的负荷加到骡子肩上，同时还把驴子的皮剥下来放在最上面。 —

The Mule, groaning beneath his heavy burden, said to himself: —
骡子在承受沉重负荷时呻吟着自言自语。 —

“I am treated according to my deserts. —
“我受到了应有的对待。 —

If I had only been willing to assist the Ass a little in his need, I should not now be bearing, together with his burden, himself as well.”
如果我当初愿意帮助驴子一点点，现在我就不会同时背负着他的负担和他自己了。”