During the first winter the off ox of the smaller pair stepped into a hole between two roots, broke its leg and had to be killed.

Afterwards Jotham worked the nigh ox in a crooked yoke in front of his larger oxen and went on with the job from December until March.
But, as all teamsters know, oxen that are worked hard all day in winter weather require corn meal or other equally nourishing provender in addition to hay.

Now, Jotham had nothing for his team except hay of inferior quality.

In consequence, as the winter advanced the cattle lost flesh and became very weak.

By March they could scarcely walk with their loads, and at last there came a morning when Jotham could not get the older oxen even to rise to their feet.