550 BC
                                 AESOP'S FABLES

                            HERCULES AND THE WAGONER

               
                                    by Aesop






şiElectronically Enhanced Text (c) Copyright 1996, World Library(R)
DAK Upgraded Edition, Copyright 2000, DAK Industries 2000, Inc(R)şI

{HERCULES_AND_THE_WAGONER
                          HERCULES AND THE WAGONER
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  A wagoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. At
last he came to a part of the road where the wheels sank halfway
into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the
wheels. So the Wagoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and
prayed to Hercules the Strong. "O Hercules, help me in this my hour of
distress," quoth he. But Hercules appeared to him, and said:
  "Tut, man, don't sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the
wheel."
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               The gods help those who help themselves.
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                               THE END