A Miller and his Son had an Ass who was old and could not work any more. They decided to take the Ass into the village fair and sell him.
The next day, they took the Ass and started walking towards the fair. While walking, they heard a woman talk, “Look at them. They have an Ass and still they are walking. What is the use of such an Ass?”
On hearing this, the Miller asked his Son to sit on the Ass and started walking himself.
As they passed through the village, they heard a group of men whispering, “Oh see! The Son is cruel. He is comfortably riding the Ass while his old father walks this long distance. He should be ashamed of himself.” The Son felt guilty. He alighted from the Ass and asked his father to sit instead.
Further along the way, they met their old friend. He asked the Miller, “Why are you riding the Ass while you Son walk? The Ass looks strong enough. Why don’t you both sit on the Ass?” They took his suggestion and both the Miller and the Son started riding the Ass.
Sometimes later, a boy remarked, “Look at the poor Ass! So much burden on his shoulder.” The Miller and the Son felt sad for the Ass. They tied the Ass’s legs to a pole and carried him.
Everyone in the village burst into laughter at this sight. Even the Ass was embarrassed. He tried to pull away to free himself from the rope. He moved side to side and accidentally fell into the river while they were crossing a wooden bridge.
The Miller lost his Ass forever.
