A wild donkey, lonely in the woods, found a friend in a jackal. One moonlit evening, they wandered to the outskirts of a village and discovered a grove of fruit trees.
They entered quietly and ate their fill. Feeling content, the donkey remarked that something was missing: music. He proudly declared himself an accomplished singer.
The jackal was alarmed. "Remember, we are in an orchard. If the farmer hears us, we will be in trouble. If you want to sing, let's go away from here," he advised.
"You think I can't sing, don't you?" asked the donkey in a hurt voice. "Wait till you hear me."
Seeing his friend wouldn't listen, the jackal hid behind a clump of trees. The donkey threw back his head and brayed loudly, "He-haw, hee-haw!"
Hearing the noise, farmers rushed over with sticks and gave the foolish donkey a severe beating.
After they left, the jackal went to his friend. "Is this the prize you won for your singing?"
"They don't appreciate good music," replied the hurt and ashamed donkey.
"This is what happens when you don't listen to a good friend's advice," said the jackal. "I hope you have learnt a lesson."