Donkey and His Purchaser

Aesop's Fables

A MAN who wanted to buy a Donkey went to market, and, coming across a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like.

When the man reached home, he put him into his stable along with the other donkeys. The new donkey took a look round, and immediately went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable. When the master saw this he put a halter on him at once, and led him off and handed him over to his owner again.

The owner was a good deal surprised to seem him back so soon, and said, "Why, do you mean to say you have tested him already?"

"I don't want to put him through any more tests," replied the other. "I could see what sort of beast he is from the companion he chose for himself."

Moral: A man is known by the company he keeps.