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They had then got to a bridge over the river, where the Ass,

frightened by the noise and his unusual situation, kicked and

struggled till he broke the ropes that bound him, and fell into

the water and was drowned. Whereupon the unfortunate Miller,

vexed and ashamed, made the best of his way home again, convinced

that in trying to please all he had pleased none, and had lost

his Ass into the bargain.

THE STAG AND THE VINE