During the wars,a soldier looked after his horse with the greatest care.He gave it the best grass to eat and the clearest water to drink.He cleaned it when it got wet and covered it with a warm quilt on cold nights.As a result,the horse was strong and carried its master safely out of the dangers of war.
When peace came,however,the soldier changed.He made the horse live in a small and cold room and gave it only a little to eat.During the day the soldier made the horse work hard on his farm,carrying heavy things every day.
After some time the war broke out again.The soldier went to the field to catch his horse.He quickly brushed the horse and got on the horse's back.For a moment the horse stood there and did't move.The soldier kicked it.Then gradually its thin legs begen to bend and it sank slowly to the ground.The horse gave the soldier alook of reproach.
''Master,''it said,''you'll have to fight on foot this time.You have made me work like an elephant and fed me like a sheep.l cannot change back into a strong horse quickly just as you want me to.''