FABLE LI
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
Once there was a big, strong donkey. He lived on a farm. Donkey saw Little Dog. Master loved Little Dog very much. Master petted Little Dog gently. He hugged Little Dog often. Master gave Little Dog good food. Little Dog ate the food with joy.
Little Dog played and ran around. Little Dog wagged his tail. He jumped on Master's lap. Master smiled at Little Dog. Master was very happy. Donkey watched Little Dog well. Donkey wanted that love too.
Donkey wanted Master's love. He wanted good food too. Donkey decided to act like Little Dog. He would try to play. He would try to jump. Donkey felt very happy. He made a plan.
Master came home from work. He walked in his garden. Then Master sat in his big chair. He was tired. He wanted to rest now. Master closed his eyes.
Donkey saw Master sit down. Donkey ran to Master. He moved oddly. He made a loud sound. Donkey tried to play. It was very clumsy. He was not smooth. Donkey made a big noise.
Master saw Donkey. Master laughed at Donkey. It looked very funny. Donkey was so big. He tried to be small. Master smiled a little.
Donkey stood on his back legs. He was very tall now. Donkey pushed Master with his front feet. He wanted to jump on Master's lap. Donkey was very heavy. Master felt his weight. It was too much.
Master was very scared. Donkey was too big. Donkey was too heavy. Master cried out loudly. He needed help fast. He did not like this. Master felt afraid.
Servant heard Master's cry. Servant came quickly. He took Donkey's rope. Servant led Donkey outside. He was firm but kind. Donkey was too big for inside. He needed to be outside.
Donkey learned a lesson. He was not a small dog. Donkey was a big donkey. He was good at donkey things. All are special. Be happy with you. Be happy with your place.
The Donkey was a good donkey. He was happy to be himself. It is good to be you!
Original Story
FABLE LI.
THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.
The Ass, observing how great a favourite a little Dog was with his master, how much caressed, and fondled, and fed with good bits at every meal, and for no other reason, as he could perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging his tail, and leaping up in his master's lap, was resolved to imitate the same, and see whether such behaviour would not procure him the same favours. Accordingly, the master was no sooner come home from walking about his fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy chair, than the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling and braying towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not help laughing aloud at the odd sight. But the jest soon became earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the fore-feet, as the Ass, raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his breast with a most loving air, and would fain have jumped into his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous conduct, and unable to endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon which one of his servants, running in with a good stick, and laying heartily upon the bones of the poor Ass, soon convinced him that everyone who desires it is not qualified to be a favourite.
MORAL.
All men have not the same gifts of pleasing. It will be well, therefore, to keep in our own place; and, in that condition of life, to do our duty. By which we shall be most likely to give satisfaction.
Story DNA
Moral
All men have not the same gifts of pleasing. It will be well, therefore, to keep in our own place; and, in that condition of life, to do our duty. By which we shall be most likely to give satisfaction.
Plot Summary
An Ass observes a small Dog receiving much affection from their master for its playful antics. Believing it can gain the same favor, the Ass attempts to imitate the Dog by clumsily gamboling and trying to jump into the master's lap. The master, terrified by the Ass's rough and heavy display of affection, cries out, leading a servant to beat the Ass. The Ass learns a painful lesson that not everyone is suited for the same roles or methods of pleasing.
Themes
Emotional Arc
misguided hope to painful realization
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often reflect social hierarchies and expectations of behavior from their time of origin.
Plot Beats (10)
- An Ass observes a small Dog being caressed, fondled, and fed by their master.
- The Ass perceives the Dog's favor is due to its playful actions like skipping, frisking, wagging its tail, and leaping into the master's lap.
- The Ass resolves to imitate this behavior to receive similar favors.
- The master returns home and sits in his easy chair.
- The Ass approaches the master, gamboling and braying in an awkward manner.
- The master initially laughs at the odd sight.
- The Ass, raising itself on its hind legs, paws at the master's breast and tries to jump into his lap.
- The master is terrified by the Ass's rough conduct and heavy weight, and cries out.
- A servant runs in with a stick and beats the Ass.
- The Ass learns that not everyone is qualified to be a favorite, regardless of their desire.
Characters
The Ass
A sturdy, medium-sized donkey with a stocky build, strong legs, and a coarse, grey-brown coat. His ears are long and prominent, and his muzzle is a lighter grey. He possesses a powerful frame, capable of carrying heavy loads, which also makes his attempts at delicate affection quite cumbersome.
Attire: None, as he is an animal. His natural coat is his only covering.
Wants: To receive the same affection, caresses, and 'good bits' from his master as the little dog, driven by a desire to be a 'favourite'.
Flaw: Lack of self-awareness regarding his physical limitations and inability to understand the nuances of appropriate affection. His envy leads him to imitate without understanding.
Starts as an envious and hopeful imitator, believing he can achieve favour through mimicry. Ends up chastised and 'convinced' that his methods are inappropriate, learning a harsh lesson about self-acceptance and understanding one's place.
Observant, envious, imitative, clumsy, well-intentioned (initially), misguided, ultimately submissive.
The Little Dog
A small, agile dog, likely a terrier or similar breed, with a lively and energetic build. His fur is probably short and wiry, or perhaps soft and fluffy, but always clean and well-kept, reflecting his pampered status. He is light enough to be easily held in a lap.
Attire: None, as he is an animal. His natural coat is his only covering.
Wants: To express his affection for his master and receive attention and treats.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, as he is presented as the ideal of a favourite pet.
Remains consistent throughout the story as the 'favourite', serving as a foil to the Ass.
Affectionate, playful, energetic, charming, beloved.
The Master
A 'good man', likely of a comfortable, perhaps middle-aged build, reflecting his ownership of fields and gardens. He is not described as particularly strong, as he is 'unable to endure the weight' of the ass. His features suggest a kind but ultimately practical nature.
Attire: Comfortable, practical clothing suitable for walking about his 'fields and gardens', then settling into an 'easy chair'. This would likely be a linen shirt, sturdy breeches, and perhaps a simple waistcoat, in muted, natural tones, typical of a rural landowner.
Wants: To enjoy the comforts of his home and the companionship of his pets, and to maintain order and safety.
Flaw: Vulnerability to unexpected physical imposition; perhaps a lack of foresight regarding the ass's potential actions.
Starts relaxed, becomes amused, then terrified, and finally relieved when the situation is resolved. He reinforces the lesson that not all creatures are suited for the same type of affection.
Affectionate (towards the dog), amused (initially by the ass), easily startled, practical, decisive (in calling for help).
The Servant
A strong, capable individual, implied by his ability to 'lay heartily' upon the ass with a stick. His build would be sturdy, reflecting a life of physical labor.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing suitable for a servant on a rural estate. This would likely include a simple tunic or shirt, sturdy trousers, and possibly a leather apron, in muted, earthy tones.
Wants: To protect his master and maintain order, responding immediately to his master's cry.
Flaw: None shown.
Appears briefly to resolve the conflict, serving as an instrument of the master's will.
Loyal, obedient, decisive, effective.
Locations
Master's Estate - Fields and Gardens
The master's expansive agricultural lands and cultivated gardens, where he walks for leisure and oversight.
Mood: Peaceful, productive, well-maintained.
The master returns from walking here before the main event.
Master's Home - Interior
A comfortable, lived-in room within the master's home, furnished with an 'easy chair' where he relaxes.
Mood: Cozy, domestic, initially calm, then chaotic.
The Ass attempts to imitate the Dog's affection here, leading to chaos.