The Old Man And The Ass

: A Hundred Fables Of La Fontaine

An old man, riding on his ass,

Had found a spot of thrifty grass,

And there turn'd loose his weary beast.

Old Grizzle, pleased with such a feast,

Flung up his heels, and caper'd round,

Then roll'd and rubb'd upon the ground,

And frisk'd and browsed and bray'd,

And many a clean spot made.

Arm'd men came on them as he fed:

"Let's fly," in haste the old man said.

"And wherefore so?" the ass replied;

"With heavier burdens will they ride?"

"No," said the man, already started.

"Then," cried the ass, as he departed

"I'll stay, and be--no matter whose;

Save you yourself, and leave me loose

But let me tell you, ere you go,

(I speak plain English, as you know,)

My master is my only foe."



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