an old man, riding on his ass,

had found a spot of thrifty grass,

and there turn'd loose his weary beast.

old grizzle, pleased with such a feast,

flung up his heels, and caper'd round,

then roll'd and rubb'd upon the ground,

and frisk'd and browsed and bray'd,

and many a clean spot made.

arm'd men came on them as he fed:

"let's fly!" in haste the old man said.

"and wherefore so?" the ass replied;

"with heavier burdens will they ride?"

"no," said the man, already started,

"then," cried the ass, as he departed.

"i'll stay, and be—no matter whose;

save you yourself, and leave me loose,

but let me tell you, ere you go

(i speak plain english, as you know),

my master is my only foe."