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Aesop's Fables, translated by Laura Gibbs (2002)338. THE DONKEY AND THE PET DOG A donkey used to see the master's pet puppy dog fawning on him day in
and day out. The puppy ate his fill of food from the master's table and
was also given many treats by the household servants. The donkey said
to himself, 'If my master and all the servants are so fond of that nasty
little dog, then imagine what will happen if I do as the dog does. After
all, I am better than a dog, much more talented and useful in so many
ways! Yes, pure water from the sacred fountains will be mine to drink,
and elegant food will be mine to eat, since I am far superior to that
little dog. It is time for me to enjoy the finer things in life and to
command the respect of everyone around me!' As the donkey was reflecting
on his situation, he saw the master coming in. He let out a great 'hee-haw'
and quickly ran to meet him, leaping up and putting his two front feet
on his master's shoulders, licking the master with his tongue and tearing
the master's clothes with his hooves. The master collapsed under the donkey's
weight and at the sound of the master's shout all the servants came running.
They grabbed sticks and stones and attacked the donkey, beating him senseless
and breaking his back and his legs. Then they chased him off to the stables,
exhausted and barely alive.  Source:
Aesop's Fables. A new translation by Laura
Gibbs.
Oxford University Press (World's Classics): Oxford, 2002. NOTE: New cover, with new ISBN, published in 2008; contents of book unchanged.
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