Library:The Ass and the Lap-Dog

Our talent we should never force,

We shall do nothing with a grace;

A clown, with all his wit, of course

Will never fill a gallant's place.

There are but few so favoured upon earth

Who have the gift of pleasing from their birth;

Such gift's not for them, they must let it pass,

Or else look like the fabled ass,

Who to be dearer to his master's breast,

Went to caress him and to be caressed.

"What!" said he, muttering in his mind,

"Shall all to Tray, because he's small, be kind!

And I have nought but cruel blows,

While he with master and with mistress goes!

He gives his paw, I'll give it too,

And I like him will get a kiss;

If 'tis but that to share his bliss,

'Tis not so difficult to do."

Charmed with the thought, to stand no more aloof,

Seeing his master in a merry pin,

Slouching along, he raised a worn-out hoof,

And laid it lovingly upon his chin;

And to give boldness ornament and grace,

Broke forth a-braying in his master's face."

"So ho!" he cried, "what do I feel and hear!

Ho! Thomas!" Thomas soon drew near;

Then the ass changed his tone.

The comedy is done.

Trivia

In Release 14, the inventory item for this book contained tildes, ~ The Ass and the Lap-Dog ~.