A man who wanted to buy an Ass, agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him.
He took the Ass home and put him in the straw-yard with his other Asses. The newcomer took a look round, and immediately went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable.
Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner. On being asked how, in so short a time, he could have made a trial of him, he answered, "I do not need a trial: I could see what sort of beast he is from the companion he chose for himself."
A man is known by the company he keeps.