A Stag, drinking from a crystal spring, saw himself mirrored in the clear water. And indeed, Mercury did appear, first to this one, then to that. One day they were sitting by the fire, watching some chestnuts roasting on the hearth. As the Ass walked along, the people bowed their heads reverently or fell on their knees, and the Ass thought the honor was being paid to himself. Presently the Peacock saw an Eagle soaring high up in the blue sky and felt a desire to fly, as he had been accustomed to do. It was now the Ass's turn to confess. Oh, much bigger! Do not expect us to join your flock, replied one of the Wild Goats. It was now an easy matter for the Lion to attack them one at a time, and this he proceeded to do with the greatest satisfaction and relish.
We cannot expect any one to share our misfortunes unless we are willing to share our good fortune also.