An idol-maker had to deliver an idol to a customer. He placed it on his donkey's back and they started on their journey.
Now the idol-maker was extremely skilled at his job and this particular idol was one of the best he had ever made.
Whoever saw it, stopped to bow down and pray.
The donkey thought they were bowing to him.
He was enormously pleased and flattered and not wishing to go away from a place where he was held in such high esteem, came to an abrupt stop.
Nothing his master did would induce him to start walking again, and finally his master lifted the idol on to own head and resumed his journey.
The donkey stood where he was, head held high, and braying sonorously until he suddenly became aware that there was no one watching him.
The people were now following his master and bowing to the idol.
The donkey realized that his pride had clouded his judgment and feeling ashamed of himself, ran to rejoin his master.
