Ray Ching, Aesop’s Kiwi Fables: Paintings by Ray, Ching, David Bateman, Auckland, 2012, p.94-95

Moral: Revenge is dearly bought at the price of liberty

There was once a Horse who had the freedom of a large, green meadow all to himself. Each day he would gallop and graze to his heart’s content. One day a Stag appeared in the meadow and, on seeing the lush green grass, declared that this was the place he had always been looking for. ‘I have as much right as you to graze here,’ he said, shaking his antlers at the Horse. ‘And what is more, I will choose all the best parts for myself.’ The Horse was very angry and wishing to be revenged, went to a man to ask if he would help turn out the Stag. ‘Most certainly’, said the man. ‘But we will have to do it together, and in order to do so, you must let me put a bridle and bit in your mouth and a saddle on your back.’ So desperate was the Horse to regain his pasture for himself that he agreed, and working together they very soon rounded up the Stag and turned him out of the meadow. But when this was accomplished, the Horse acknowledged that he would be forever in the service of the man.
RAYMOND CHING (Aesop’s Kiwi Fables)

Aesop’s Kiwi Fables: Paintings by Ray Ching ,/i>(part 1), ARTIS Gallery, Auckland, 2010

Private Collection
Acquired from ARTIS Gallery, Auckland