Hercules and the Wagoner

Hercules and the Wagoner - Janiee James

Hercules and the Wagoner

A farmer was driving his wagon along a miry country road after a heavy rain

The horses could hardly drag the load through the deep mud

And at last came to a standstill

When one of the wheels sank to the hub in a rut

The farmer climbed down from his seat and stood beside the wagon looking at it

But without making the least effort to get it out of the rut

All he did was to curse his bad luck

And call loudly on Hercules to come to his aid

Then it is said Hercules really did appear saying

Put your shoulder to the wheel man and urge on your horses

Do you think you can move the wagon

By simply looking at it and whining about it

Hercules will not help unless you make some effort to help yourself

And when the farmer put his shoulder to the wheel

And urged on the horses

The wagon moved very readily

And soon the farmer was riding along in great content

And with a good lesson learned

Self help is the best help

Heaven helps those who help themselves