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A Wild Ass saw a Pack-Ass jogging along under a heavy load, and

taunted him with the condition of slavery in which he lived, in

these words: "What a vile lot is yours compared with mine! I am

free as the air, and never do a stroke of work; and, as for

fodder, I have only to go to the hills and there I find far more

than enough for my needs. But you! you depend on your master for

food, and he makes you carry heavy loads every day and beats you

unmercifully." At that moment a Lion appeared on the scene, and

made no attempt to molest the Pack-Ass owing to the presence of

the driver; but he fell upon the Wild Ass, who had no one to

protect him, and without more ado made a meal of him.

It is no use being your own master unless you can stand up for

yourself.

THE ANT