The Ox and the Donkey

A merchant who can understand animals hears an overworked ox complain about the donkey's easy life. After the donkey advises the ox to pretend to be ill, the merchant orders the donkey to take the ox's place in the fields. Exhausted by a day of ploughing, the donkey tricks the ox into returning to work and learns that careless advice can rebound on the one who gives it.

一位能听懂动物说话的商人听到辛苦劳作的牛抱怨驴子过得轻松。驴子劝牛装病休息，结果商人改让驴子下地干活。驴子累得精疲力尽后，又骗牛说主人要叫屠夫来，吓得牛第二天主动去耕地。这个故事说明，轻率给出的主意往往会反过来害到自己。