There was once a wise old farmer in a village. One day, his only horse ran away. His neighbors came by and said,

A few days later, the horse returned, bringing with it several wild horses. The neighbors exclaimed,

The farmer’s son tried to tame one of the wild horses, but he was thrown off and broke his leg. The neighbors came once more and said,

Soon after, the army came through the village, conscripting all able-bodied young men to fight in a war. The farmer’s son was spared due to his broken leg. The neighbors said,