Fable XXI. the Proud Ass

Apert, and self-sufficient ASS, Not half so wise as BALAAM'S was: Who pass'd a round of daily care, In hawking goods from fair to fair; Through ervy was so void of sense, He scorn'd a decent competence; For such, tho' born an abject slave, His more than tender master gave.

One day a pamper'd steed pass'd on, Deck'd out in rich caparison; A mettled creature, full of fire, And shap'd like his ARABIAN sire: At whom our ASS, with mournful sigh, Strait cast a tear-encircled eye; Then turning to his owner said, How dearly do I earn my bread? Not that I bear too great a load, Nor often feel your painful goad; But then, unkindly, you neglect, To gain me, as you might, respect.

Pray, what's yon prancer more than me, To merit so much finery? Where'er he comes, the Hostler shows Attention to his gaudy cloaths; The freshest hay supplies his rack, A curry-comb runs o'er his back; And best of wheaten straw is spread Beneath his hoofs to form a bed; While I, with paltry pannier clad, (The very thought would make one mad) Tho' doom'd to labour still more hard, Can never meet with just regard.

If beauty be his foremost claim, I justly may produce the same; Allowing for these certain words, That, "feathers fine, make finest birds."

Then, master, if you'd have me live, A saddle-cloth with trimmings give; Upon this head such bridle place, As may adorn this comely face; A net were well, to strike the sight, No matter, whether green, or white; Besides, 'twould guard my tender thighs In summer from perplexing flies; With ribbands plait my tail and mane; So let me just importance gain; Or soon expect, that settled grief Will weigh me down beyond relief: For sure no other means can save Your faithful creature from the grave.

The PEDLAR, foolish as his beast, Complied with all the fond request; And deck'd the ASS with simple care, Then led him to a crouded FAIR, Where gazing hundreds stop'd his way, And kept the raree-show at bay.

Our long-ear'd Beau, assuming state, Would mimic too the managed gait; While many a rude, and painful thump, Saluted him from head to rump; Much laughter and a world of jokes Accompanied the merry strokes; Some curses too from either side, Were vented on his foolish pride; Till terrified, he bray'd aloud Submission to the shouting crowd; And promis'd thenceforth to appear In trappings suited to his sphere: A maxim, some of human kind, Would worthy heir observance find; For pride betrays each forward fool To all the stings of ridicule,