A wild ass¹, who was wandering idly about, one day came upon a pack-ass lying at full length in a sunny spot and thoroughly² enjoying himself. Going up to him, he said, "What a lucky beast you are! Your sleek³ coat shows how well you live. How I envy you!" Not long after the wild ass saw his acquaintance again, but this time he was carrying a heavy load, and his driver was following behind and beating him with a thick stick. "Ah, my friend," said the Wild Ass, "I don't envy you any more, for I see you pay dear for your comforts."

 

Advantages that are dearly bought are doubtful blessings⁴.

 

有一天，一头无所事事的野驴，看见一头家驴正舒适地躺在阳光充足的地方自娱自乐。他走了过去，说：“你可真幸运呀！从你那光滑的皮肤就能看出来，你的日子过得很舒服呀，我真羡慕你！”不久，野驴又看见家驴驮着沉重的货物，驴夫还跟在后面不停地用鞭子抽打他，这一次，野驴说：“我的朋友，我不再羡慕你了，因为我知道你付出了惨痛的代价。”

 

用昂贵代价换来的优势是令人怀疑的服气。

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