No. 212 - THE PENNY MAGAZINE - July 25, 1835
The Horse and the Laden Ass
The fable with which we now present our readers is that 'of
the Horse and the Laden Ass.' Of the several versions we have
examined there is none that perfectly satisfies us. That
of Ogilby, published in 1651, is perhaps the best and most vigorous
and we accordingly give it. It is occasionally obscure, like
most of the versions s of this author, which however possess in
general so much merit, that we shall frequently give him
the preference. His versions must also have the advantage of
being new to most of our readers:-
- Dear brother horse, so heavy is my load,
- That my gall'd back,
- Is-like to crack;
- Some pity take,
- Or I shall perish on the road:
- For thy fair sister'S sake,
- Who once did bear
- To me a son, a mule, my hopeful heir,
- Assistance lend,-
- My burthen share,
- Or, else a cruel end
- Waits on thy fellow servant and thy friend:
- Here I must lie
- And die,"
- The tired ass said, as th' empty horse went by.
- Prick'd up with pride and provender the horse
- Denied his aid:
- "Shall I," he said,
- " My own back lade
- And hurt myself stirr'd up with fond remorse?
- My prudent master laid
- This on thee, who
- Better than you or I knows what to do.
- My sister mare
- Was given to you,
- Our nobler race to spare
- The ass and mule must all the burthens bear:
- I must no pack,
- Nor sack,
- But my dear master carry on my back."
- This said, heart-broke the ass fell down and died
- The master straight
- Laid all the weight
- On his proud mate;
- And spread above the ass's hide.
- Repenting, but too late,
- The horse then said,--
- Thou, most accurs'd, didst not thy brother aid:
- Now on my back
- The whole-burthen's laid.
- Such mortals goodness lack
- And counsel, which their friends distress'd not aid:
- Had I borne part,
- The smart
- Had been but small. which now must break my heart.'
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