A MAN had an Ass1, and a Maltese Lapdog, a very great beauty. The

　　Ass was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat,

　　just as any other Ass would. The Lapdog knew many tricks and was

　　a great favorite with his master, who often fondled him and

　　seldom went out to dine without bringing him home some tidbit to

　　eat. The Ass, on the contrary, had much work to do in grinding

　　the corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdens

　　from the farm. He often lamented2 his own hard fate and

　　contrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the Lapdog, till at

　　last one day he broke his cords and halter, and galloped3 into his

　　master's house, kicking up his heels without measure, and

　　frisking and fawning4 as well as he could. He next tried to jump

　　about his master as he had seen the Lapdog do, but he broke the

　　table and smashed all the dishes upon it to atoms. He then

　　attempted to lick his master, and jumped upon his back. The

　　servants, hearing the strange hubbub5 and perceiving the danger of

　　their master, quickly relieved him, and drove out the Ass to his

　　stable with kicks and clubs and cuffs6. The Ass, as he returned

　　to his stall beaten nearly to death, thus lamented: "I have

　　brought it all on myself! Why could I not have been contented7 to

　　labor with my companions, and not wish to be idle all the day

　　like that useless little Lapdog!"

　　To be satisfied with one's lot is better than to desire

　　something which one is not fitted to receive