an ass besought a horse to spare him a small portion of his feed. “yes,” said the horse; “if any remains out of what i am now eating i will give it you for the sake of my own superior dignity, and if you will come when i reach my own stall in the evening, i will give you a little sack full of barley.” the ass replied, “thank you. but i can’t think that you, who refuse me a little matter now. will by and by confer on me a greater benefit.”