The Donkey and the Lapdog

Aesop's Fables - 21

A Farmer had a little Dog that he keeps constantly by his side. The farmer also had a donkey, who lived in a warm stable and got plenty of fresh grain and sweet hay. But, the donkey was not satisfied with his lot.

" I slave all day, hauling wood or pulling the cart to market, " the donkey grumbled.  "And then  I' m shut i the stable, while that dog sleeps on the master's lap and eats from his plate!" Perhaps, he thought, if he behaved like the dog, his master would reward him with the same life of ease.

That very night, the donkey crept out of the stable  and into the house where the farmer sat at supper. " First I' ll frisk about and chase my tail, just as the dog does, " thought the donkey. And he danced about the room, flinging up his hooves until the table toppled over and dishes went flying.

" Now I' ll sit on his lap!" said the donkey to himself, and he put his hooves up on the master's chair.

" Help! Save me from this mad beast!" bellowed the terrified farmer. His servants came running and, with shouts and blows, drove the donkey back to the stable.

" I suppose I' m a fine donkey, " the donkey lamented, " but I' ll never be a lapdog!"

Moral of the Story-  What's right for one may be wrong for another. So, never try to copy another person in front of you.