A Lion and a Man chanced to travel in company through the forest. This answer took the Dolphin by surprise, and, turning his head, he now saw what it was he was carrying. Let me remind your lordship, said the Dog, his words interrupted now and then as he dodged a snap of the Wolf's teeth, how unpleasant it would be to eat me now. But though he washed and washed all day long, almost drowning himself at it, his feathers remained as black as ever. The Farmer knew how deadly the Snake could be, and yet he picked it up and put it in his bosom to warm it back to life. But instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the Dog in the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach the shore. What foolishness, cried one, to walk when they might as well ride. What in the world were you doing all last summer? Pull them out and I'll divide them between us. But if you are divided among yourselves, you will be no stronger than a single stick in that bundle.
We cannot expect any one to share our misfortunes unless we are willing to share our good fortune also.