The Old Man and the Ass (French Folk Tale)

Folk Tales, French Folk Tales3551


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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