An honest farmer had once an ass that had been a faithful servant to hima great many years, but was now growing old and every day more andmore unfit for work. His master therefore was tired of keeping him andbegan to think of putting an end to him; but the ass, who saw thatsome mischief was in the wind, took himself slyly off, and began hisjourney towards the great city, «For there,» thought he, «I may turnmusician.»
After he had traveled a little way, he spied a dog lying by theroadside and panting as if he were tired. «What makes you pant so, myfriend?» said the ass. «Alas!» said the dog, «my master was going toknock me on the head, because I am old and weak, and can no longermake myself useful to him in hunting; so I ran away; but what can I doto earn my livelihood?» «Hark ye!» said the ass, «I am going to thegreat city to turn musician: suppose you go with me, and try what youcan do in the same way?» The dog said he was willing, and they joggedon together.
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