Si quoi mente ?

asked the old man.  
"Thankyou !", said the boy. "I am well, but now I must sleep."

The old man threw sand on the fire embers and wrapped his robe tighter around his frail body. He thought they would reach Machabet by sundown tomorrow.
The boy was really too young for this journey and needed food and rest !

As dawn rose, they awakend and ate a meagre meal.
The donkey had it's fill, as was their way - what should become of us without our beast of burden ?

The old man loaded the packs and helped the boy onto the donkey.
"With luck" he said, "We shall be there soon! This is well, for today you are in your seventh year ! Praise the day !" "Praise the day !" said the boy as they set off, ever north, to Machabet.

The old man tired quickly, and they were glad to reach a small settlement of their people.
"Viande del Reposanto" cheered the people as they entered the gates .
They ate, drank and rested gratefully.

Before you leave us, Sinarda, pleaded the capo nai, think of yourself a little !
You should ride and let the boy walk !
Agipo ! Agipo ! seconded the gathered villagers.
They lifted the old man gently on to the donkey and showed the young boy how to lead it with a strap around it's neck.
Bon Arrivo !!

After many hours they came to Condemnia, a mostly deserted village, two hours from their destination. A small gathering welcomed them, and once again they ate and rested.
Homo Sinarda !
Your boy is at the end ! Let him ride the donkey or all is lost with your name and mighty successors !
They had given their advice and meant it well.
Ah !, sage mentors, we have tried that also today, then I will soon become exhausted !
Ha ! scoffed a wiser elder. Why do you not BOTH ride on the donkey ?

And so it was, and they set of north to Machabet.

An hour later they dismounted at Chanek, a short ride from the place they sought.
"Your donkey is at it's end !" chanted the gathering.
"Why do you not heed the lord's ways ?
Animals are to be praised and have their dignity ! So be it !

After a brusque meal, they set off again, carrying the donkey between them - each of them with two donkey legs on his shoulders.
"I did not expect this" said the old man - "Ah ! here is the bridge to Machabet, praise the lord !"
"Praise the lord !" said the boy.

And it so happened to them, that, on the bridge across the Po nee Machabet, the old man slipped - accident or fatigue ? To this day, no-one knows.
The donkey they had carried about 8 clicks, fell into the dark waters of the Po, and was never seen again.

My friends, if you try to please everybody, you will lose your ass in the end !