Aesop's Fables

The Ass and_the Lapdog

aFarmer one day came to_the stables to_see to_his beasts of burden: among them was his favourite Ass, that was always well fed and often carried his master . with_the Farmer came his Lapdog, who danced about and licked his hand and frisked about as happy as could_be .The Farmer felt in_his pocket, gave the Lapdog some dainty food, and sat down while he_gave his orders to_his servants .The Lapdog jumped into his master's lap, and lay there blinking while the Farmer stroked his ears .The Ass, seeing this, broke loose from_his halter and commenced prancing about in imitation of_the Lapdog .The Farmer could_not hold his sides with laughter, so the Ass went up_to him, and putting his feet upon_the Farmer's shoulder attempted to climb into his lap .The Farmer's servants rushed up with sticks and pitchforks and soon taught the Ass that clumsy jesting is no joke .