A man bought a donkey at the market and took him home on approval. He already owned several donkeys and knew each one's character well.
One donkey was strong and brave. Another was eager to please but quickly exhausted. A third was very lazy. He hated work, did as little as possible, and always tried to be last when loading to get the lightest burden.
The man led the new donkey into the stable yard. After a moment sniffing his new companions, the new donkey, without hesitation, trotted up to the lazy one and began feeding comfortably beside him.
Though it was late, the man immediately led the new donkey straight back to the market.
"You cannot have given him a fair trial yet," said the merchant. "It is only ten minutes since you bought him."
"I don't need to try him any more," replied the man. "I know just what he is like from the friend he chose for himself. Take him away and give me my money back. I can do without donkeys like him."