A carter was driving a bullock-drawn-wagon along a country lane, when the wheels sank down deep into a rut. The carter, stupefied and aghast, stood looking at the wagon, and did nothing but utter loud cries to Hercules to come and help him.

Hercules appeared and said to him: “Put your shoulders to the wheels, my man. Goad on your bullocks, and never pray to me for help until you have done your best to help yourself. Otherwise, you will from this day on pray in vain.”

Moral: Heaven helps them that help themselves first.