The Bull and the Donkey

Once upon a time there was a merchant who lived on a farm with family and many animals. This merchant had a wonderful gift – he had the power to understand the speech of all kinds of animals and birds. However, he could not tell anyone what he heard the  animals say or he would die immediately.One evening as he was watching his children play, he heard his bull speaking.‘’Donkey, why are you treated better than me and have servants sweeping your stall?’’The merchant was very interested and continued to listen. The bull complained that he had to work too hard, was whipped and had to carry heavy loads. The donkey laughed and advised the bull not to be so willing to work. ‘’They will soon get the message and leave you alone,’’ he said.The next day the merchant’s servant came running into the office. He informed the merchant that the bull was refusing to move and wondered what they should do. Of course, the merchant knew what was wrong and decided the donkey should be taught a lesson. He told his steward to let the bull rest and make the donkey do the work.