The Donkey and the Snail
A dog came upon a donkey and a snail engaged in fearsome mortal combat.
“Hold on!” cried the dog, “What is the reason for this bloodshed? Surely there is a peaceful way to iron out your differences?”
“You can’t speak reason to the snail” brayed the donkey, “He demands and demands and demands. No sooner is one demand fulfilled than there is another even greater demand.”
“What nonsense,” spat the snail, “The donkey is stubborn and must change his view of the world, otherwise I will never be free. If he will not change his opinions and way of being, I must use violence.”
“Hmmm” murmured the dog, “You both claim to be the injured party and that the other is the aggressor. But only one of you drew blood first.”
Medieval marginalia. Source unknown.