Chapter 207
A man who wanted to buy an Ass went to market. Seeing a likely looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take the ass home on a trial basis to check what the animal was like. On reaching home, he put the ass into his stable along with the other asses.
The newcomer took a good look round, and immediately spotted and sat next to the laziest and greediest ass in the stable. When the master saw this he put a rope around him at once, and led him off to return the beast to his owner again. The seller was greatly surprised to see him back so soon, and asked, “Why, have you tested him so soon?”
“I don’t want to put him through any more checks,” replied the buyer. “I know what kind of animal this is from the companion he prefers for himself.”
A person is known by the company he keeps.
