A man had an Donkey, and a Maltese Lapdog, a very great beauty. The Donkey was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat, just as any other Donkey would. The Lapdog knew many tricks and was a great favorite with his master, who often played games with him and seldom went out to dine without bringing him home something special to eat.

The Donkey had much work to do in grinding the corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdens from the farm. He often lamented his own hard fate and contrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the Lapdog. One day the Donkey broke his cords and halter, and galloped into his master’s house, kicking up his heels and frisking and fawning as well as he could.

The Donkey next tried to jump about his master as he had seen the Lapdog do, but he broke the table and smashed all the dishes upon it to tiny bits. He then attempted to lick his master, and jumped upon his back.

The servants, hearing the strange commotion and perceiving the danger of their master, attacked the Donkey and drove him out to his stable with kicks and clubs and cuffs.

The Donkey, as he returned to his stall beaten nearly to death, lamented: “I have brought it all on myself! Why could I not have been contented to labor with my companions, and not wish to be idle all the day like that useless little Lapdog!”

Moral: Be content with what your own talents.

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