“Poor little foal of an oppressed race!
“I love the languid patience of thy face:
“And oft with gentle hand I give thee bread,
“And clap thy ragged coat, and pat thy head.”
COLERIDGE.
_Prefatory Address._
Though the services of my species are no longer of that character which
distinguished them in former ages, I presume to think the biography of
an Ass, may yet, be worthy of publication. Pride of ancestry, a usual
weakness amongst Bipeds, will I trust, be forgiven in creatures doomed
(even in their most fortunate estate) to bear the taunts and insults
of the _rational_ part of the creation. If we refer to antiquity, it
must be allowed the record is every way consoling to our feelings
as a class; and though the comparative happiness of any animal at
distinct periods is of little moment to his present content, it cannot
be denied, that there is something satisfactory in reflecting on the
respectability of our progenitors. Thus I, an Ass of the Eighteenth
century obtrude my history on the public, and while I avoid the
arrogance of claiming particular merit on the score of pedigree, I
honestly confess, there have been moments in my life, when the memory
of my descent, has proved highly congenial to my feelings. Naturalists,
(as I believe those learned persons are called who describe the genus
and character of animals,) have done us justice as a species. Mine, as
a domestic sketch will bear none of those features of authorship which
embrace deep research, and elaborate disquisitions. I present for your
patronage, the life and adventures of a home-bred Donkey, and trusting
to the liberality of an enlightened juvenile public, remain their
respectful and obedient Servant
Jemmy Donkey.