Karataka said:

"In a city lived a washerman. In his house lived a donkey and a dog. The washerman employed the donkey to carry clothes by day and the dog to guard the house by night.

One night a thief entered his courtyard to steal. The dog saw him come but did not bark. He lay still.

The donkey said to the dog, 'This is your watch. Why do you not bark and wake our master?'

The dog replied, 'Attend to your own duty. Formerly my master cared for me. Now he neglects me and gives me little food. Why should I trouble myself on his behalf?'

The donkey said, 'Even so, a servant should not neglect his duty when his master is in danger. I shall awaken him.'

So saying, he lifted his neck and began to bray with all his might.

The washerman, whose sleep was broken, rose in anger. Unable to find the thief in the darkness, he supposed the donkey was braying without cause. Taking up a stout stick, he beat him until he fell.

Therefore I say, 'He who speaks without being asked suffers, and he who undertakes another's duty comes to grief.'"

Karataka continued, "You have not been asked. Do not go."

Damanaka said, "Friend, to speak without being asked is indeed a fault. But it is not a fault for a minister to speak when his master is in distress. A servant must act in his master's need. My father and my grandfather served in this court. I cannot see our lord stricken with fear and remain silent. I will go."

Karataka said, "If you are determined, then go."