Page:Little fabulist, or, Select fables.pdf/2



The Miller, his Son, and the Ass.

'Tis better to pursue the dictates of one's own reason, than attempt to please all mankind.

Miller and his Son, were driving their Ass to the market in order to sell him: and that he might get thither fresh and in good condition, they drove him on gently before them. They had not proceeded far, when they met a company of travellers. Sure, say they, you are mighty careful of your Ass: methinks one of you might as well get up, and ride, as suffer him to walk on at his ease, while you trudge after on foot. In compliance with this advice, the Old Man set his Son upon the beast. And now, they had scarce advanced a quarter of a mile further, before they met another company. You idle young rogue, said one the party, why don't you you get down and let your poor Father ride? Upon this the Old Man made his Son dismount,