|A Farmer had an Ass that had been a faithful servant to him a great
many years. But the Ass was growing old, and every day was more and more
unfit for work.
His master was tired of keeping him, and began to think of putting an
end to him. But the Ass saw there was mischief in the wind and took
himself off slyly. He set out toward the great city. “There,” thought
he, “people will like to hear me bray, and I shall earn my living as a
musician.”
He had traveled a little way when he spied a Dog by the wayside. The Dog
was lying down, and panting as if he were very tired.
“What makes you pant so, my friend?” asked the Ass.
“Alas!” said the Dog, “my master was about to knock me on the head. I am
old and weak, and can no longer hunt as I used. So I ran away. But how
can I earn a living?”
“Hark ye,” said the Ass; “I am going to the great city to be a musician;
suppose you go with me, and try what you can do in the same way.”
“Very well,” said the Dog, and they jogged on together.
They had not gone far before they saw a Cat sitting in the middle of the
road. The Cat wore a very sad face.
“Pray, my good lady,” said the Ass, “what is the matter with you? You
look quite out of sorts.”
“Ah me!” said the Cat, “well I may. How can I be in good spirits, when I
fear for my life? I am beginning to grow old, and I like to lie at my
ease by the fire, and not to run about the house after mice. So my
mistress laid hold of me, and was about to drown me. I was lucky enough
to get away from her. But what am I to live on?”
“Oh!” said the Ass, “come with us to the great city. You are a good
night-singer, and may make your fortune as a musician.”
“Well said,” said the Cat, and she joined the party.
On they went, until they came to a farm-yard. There they saw a Cock
perched upon the gate, and the Cock was crowing with all his might and
main.
“Bravo!” said the Ass; “upon my word you make a famous noise; pray, what
is all this about?”
“Why,” said the Cock, “I was just now saying that it was going to be
fine weather, when lo! the cook claps her hands to her ears, and says
she means to cut my head off, and make broth of me for the guests that
are coming to-morrow.”
“What a shame!” said the Ass. “But come with us, Master Cock. It will be
better than to stay here and have your head cut off. Besides, who knows?
If we take care to sing in tune, we may get up some kind of concert; so,
come along with us.”
“With all my heart,” said the Cock; and they all four went on their way.