ASS. 45^ 



The most abject offices are his ordinary lot, and 

 it is as singular an advantage to this multitude of 

 workmen, as well as ourselves, to find a gentle, 

 strong, and indefatigable animal, who, without 

 either expence or pride, replenishes our cities and 

 villages with all sorts of commodities. A short 

 comparison will complete the illustration of his 

 services, and in some measure raise them out of 

 their obscurity. The Horse very much resembles 

 those nations who are fond of glitter and hurry ; 

 who are perpetually singing and dancing, and 

 extremely studious to set off their exterior, and 

 mix gaiety in all their actions. They are admir- 

 able in some distinguished and decisive occa- 

 sions ; but their fire frequently degenerates into 

 romantic enthusiasm ; they fall into wild trans- 

 ports ; they exhaust themselves, and lose the most 

 favourable conjunctures for want of management 

 and moderation. The Ass, on the contrary, re- 

 sembles those people who are naturally heavy and 

 pacific, whose understanding and capacity are li- 

 mited to husbandry or commerce, and who pro- 

 ceed in the same track without discomposure, and 

 complete, with a positive air, whatever tliey have 

 once undertaken." 



The Ass, from his natural tardiness, and the 

 awkwardness of his appearance, has frequently ex- 

 cited the ridicule of inconsiderate spectators. It 

 is recorded that Cnissm, a Roman of some dis- 

 tinction, laughed but once in liis life, and tliat at 

 an Ass eating thistles ; a circumstance in itself 

 by no means ridiculouii. There is indeed a plant 



