The Oxen and the Butchers

By Aesop

The oxen once upon a time sought to destroy the Butchers, who practiced a trade destructive to their race. They assembled on a certain day to carry out their purpose, and sharpened their horns for the contest.

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Q: Why were the oxen angry with the Butchers?

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But one of them who was exceedingly old (for many a field had he plowed) thus spoke: “These Butchers, it is true, slaughter us, but they do so with skillful hands, and with no unnecessary pain. If we get rid of them, we shall fall into the hands of unskillful operators, and thus suffer a double death: for you may be assured, that though all the Butchers should perish, yet will men ever want beef.”

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Q: What did the old ox say would happen if the oxen destroyed the Butchers?

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Do not be in a hurry to change one evil for another.

the end.

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Q: The story doesn’t say whether the oxen continued with their contest, but do you think they would have after hearing what the old ox said?

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