Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, provide me with a shelter, a clean dry stall large enough for me to lie down in comfort. Talk to me, your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes that I may serve you more gladly and learn to love you. Shoe me properly that I may serve you in comfort. Never strike, beat or kick me when I don't understand what you want, but give me the chance to understand you. And finally oh master, when my youthful strength is gone do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured or stoned to death, but do thou, my master take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable... -Amen
