THERE was once a man who had an Ass and
a little pet Dog. The Ass
worked all day in
the fields, and slept in the barn at night.
But the Lap Dog frisked about and
played
jumping in his master's
lap whenever he
pleased, feeding from his hand, and sleeping
by his bed at night.
The Ass grumbled a
great deal at this.
"How hard I work," said he, "and
never get
any pay but blows and hard
words. Why
should I not be petted like that wretched little
Dog? Perhaps if I played with my master as
he does, I, too, might be treated like him,"
So the Ass went into the house, and jumped
up on his master's knee, putting his forefeet
on his shoulders, and giving a loud bray.
The master, almost made deaf by the noise,
and half smothered by the great clumsy Ass,
called out, "Help" help!" and the servants,
running in, drove the Ass out of doors with
sticks and stones.
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