[Illustration: THE BOAR AND THE ASS.]
A little scoundrel of an Ass, happening to meet with a Boar, had a mind
to be arch upon him,--'And so, brother,' says he, 'your humble servant.'
The Boar, somewhat nettled at his familiarity, bristled up to him, and
told him, he was surprised to hear him utter so impudent an untruth, and
was just going to show his noble resentment, by giving him a rip in the
flank; but wisely stifling his passion, he contented himself with only
saying--'Go, you sorry beast! I could be amply and easily revenged of
you; but I do not care to foul my tusks with the blood of so base a
creature.'