The Ass and the Lapdog

There once lived a sturdy Ass who spent his days carrying heavy burdens for his master. He was a creature of labor, accustomed to the rough life of the barnyard and the constant weight of sacks upon his back. Watching from the doorway of the house, he often observed his master’s favorite companion—a tiny, pampered Lapdog.

The Lapdog led a life of luxury. He would trot into the parlor, leap onto his master’s lap, and lick his face with affection. In return, the master would stroke the dog’s soft fur, feed him delicate morsels from the table, and shower him with laughter and gentle words. The Ass watched this display with deep envy. He thought to himself, 'If I were to show such affection, surely I would be granted the same rewards. Why should I toil in the fields when I could live a life of ease?'

One afternoon, the master sat resting in the garden. The Ass saw his chance. He broke free from his tether, trotted clumsily toward the house, and clattered into the parlor. The ground shook beneath his heavy hooves, and the furniture rattled as he approached. He tried to mimic the grace of the Lapdog, but his legs were stiff and his movements were awkward.

With a loud bray that echoed through the halls, the Ass attempted to leap onto his master’s lap. He landed with a bone-crushing weight, pinning the poor man to his chair. In his misguided attempt at playfulness, he placed his heavy, dirty hooves upon his master’s shoulders and began to lick his face with a tongue as rough as sandpaper. The master, startled and bruised, cried out in pain and terror.

The servants heard the commotion and rushed into the room. Seeing the master trapped under the massive beast, they seized sticks and whips and drove the confused Ass out of the house, beating him soundly until he returned to his stable. The Ass sat alone in the dark, bruised and weary, finally understanding that his strength was meant for the road, not for the parlor.