A merchant and his donkey on their way to market found the path boggy and waterlogged. Feeling the earth sucking at his hooves, the donkey hesitated. “On, on,” cried the merchant, clipping him with his stick. “We must get there early to grab the best spot.”

The donkey moved on, but the heavy ground slowed the animal and the merchant’s stick made no difference. “Come, I know the work is hard,” said the merchant, changing tactic. “But if we make it in time, I will give you a share of the profits. How about that? The rewards will be great, I assure you.”

The donkey appeared to accept this generous offer. It pushed on with renewed vigour. But the mire was deep and the donkey soon found itself sunk almost to the shoulder. It could go no further, nor could it turn back. “Hold,” said the merchant. “Let me relieve you of your burden.”

The merchant took all he could carry and waded out of the mire, leaving the donkey to fend for itself.

© Richard Parkin 2026

Further reading: Misadventures in the Land of Fables #70