Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 16.pdf/344

 Respect the Ass.

RESPECT THE ASS. Davies г'. Mann, io M. & W. 546. BY J. B. MACKENZIE. Per Cnriam. In evil hour, the toil-spent ass Upon a highway Davies turned, Along whose marge was humid grass, Repast from which was ten times earned. With forefeet bound, while thus it cropped The esculent, with hurried gait, Mann's equipage (had this but stopped Regret on us would hang no weight) Approaching by a stiff decline, Passed o'er the hapless quadruped; When—crushed its all too brittle spine— The vital spark instanter fled. Hardship unequalled has been wrought By that rare animal's demise; With issue big the plaint is fraught: Let Judges to th'occasion rise. For such a wrong 'tis clear to all Money's requital will be dross; Yet on some one the load must fall Ensuing from the tragic loss. Mann's pocket should, we reason, bear The cost; for had his Jehu shown A reasonable amount of care, His friend would Davies not bemoan. The Court, besides, пет. con., agree That, e'en if plaintiff were to blame, The roadsters would—with rein less free — Have left unbruised that donkey's frame.

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