A man hired a wagoner to transport his goods across a river. The wagoner agreed but demanded a large sum of money as payment. When they reached the river, the wagoner refused to cross it unless he was paid in full. The man tried to negotiate, offering less than the wagoner's demand, but he refused. Eventually, the man had no choice but to pay the wagoner the amount he requested. As soon as the wagoner received his payment, he abandoned the goods and left them stranded on the riverbank. The man was left with nothing. The story highlights the dangers of excessive greed and the importance of fair compensation for services rendered. It also illustrates the consequences of allowing oneself to be taken advantage of by others.
By Esopo · First published 1600 · Genre: Fable, Children's literature, Fantasy