The Old Man and The Ass

An old man and his ass were riding one day when they spied a lush meadow at the side of the way. The man let go of the reins, and the grizzled one raced out into the lea at a furious pace. Gamboling, scratching, and enjoying the green, he rubbed his back and ate the spot clean.

While the ass was busy clearing the field, some robbers showed up. "Come, let us flee!" said the frightened graybeard.

"Why should I?" responded the debauchee. "Will you not make me carry a double load?"

"Not at all!" said the man as he fled down the road. "What difference does it make to me who uses the goad? Save yourself. I'll graze. You'll run faster. A beast's enemy is always its master."

And this I say to you in a very frank manner.

*Note: The term "grizzled" in the original is "Grison," while "frank" is "Francois." This appears to be a play on words. Grison is a canton in Switzerland that was originally created by the Franks during the reign of Charlemagne in the 800s A.D. Apparently, there was still some tension between the two groups in folklore centuries later.*