Hercules and the Wagoneer

A delivery man was driving a wagon along a country lane, when the wheels sank down deep into a rut. 

The old driver, dazed and confused, stood looking at the wagon.  He did nothing but utter loud cries to Hercules to come and help him.

Hercules, it is said, appeared and thus addressed him: "Put your shoulders to the wheels, my man. Try with all your might to move the wagon back onto the road.  Never pray to me for help, until you have done your best to help yourself, or depend upon it you will henceforth pray in vain."

Moral: Self-help is the best help.

Aesop