A blind ass, which had undertaken a long journey, wandered from the road into a forest. As night fell, the foolish creature went so deep into the thicket that it could move neither backward nor forward. Even a sighted being would have been unable to escape that predicament. Fortunately, an owl happened to be nearby and offered to guide the ass.
We all know how well owls see at night. Hills, hillocks, ditches, precipices—the owl distinguished them all as if it were daylight. By daybreak, it had led the ass safely to the level road. How could anyone part with such a guide? So the ass entreated the owl not to leave and resolved to see the whole world in its company.
The owl seated itself like a lord upon the ass's back, and the two friends continued their journey. But did it prosper? No. As soon as the sun began to glow in the morning sky, a darkness deeper than night fell upon the owl's eyes. Yet the owl was obstinate and directed the ass at random.
"Take care!" it cried. "We shall tumble into a pool if we go to the right."
There was no pool on the right, but on the left, the situation was even worse.
"Keep more to the left—another pace to the left!"
And so, the owl and the ass fell into the ravine together.