A Calf, which had been some time fattening in a rich pasture, full of
wantonness and arrogance, could not forbear insulting an old Ox every
time he saw him at the plough. What a sorry drudge art thou, says he,
to bear that heavy yoke, and draw all day a plough at thy tail! See,
what a fat, sleek, and comely appearance I make, and what a life of
ease I lead: I go where I please, and frisk about in the sunshine, or
lie down under the cool shade, just as my own fancy prompts me. The Ox,
not moved by this insolence, made no reply, but pursued his daily round
of alternate labour and rest, until he saw the Calf taken and delivered
to a priest, who immediately led him to the altar, and prepared to
sacrifice him. When the fatal knife was just at his throat, the Ox drew
near, and whispered him to this purpose: see what your wanton and lazy
life has brought you to, a premature and painful death.