Section 192
The Ass and his Purchaser explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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A Man who wanted to buy an went to market, and, coming across a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like. When he reached home, he put him into his stable along with the other asses. The newco...
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Public-domain original
A Man who wanted to buy an went to market, and, coming across
a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be
allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like. When he
reached home, he put him into his stable along with the other asses.
The newcomer took a look round, and immediately went and chose a place
next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable. When the master
saw this he put a halter on him at once, and led him off and handed
him over to his owner again. The latter was a good deal surprised to
see him back so soon, and said, "Why, do you mean to say you have
tested him already?" "I don't want to put him through any more tests,"
replied the other: "I could see what sort of beast he is from the
companion he chose for himself."
A man is known by the company he keeps.
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
A short fable about The Ass and his Purchaser shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns the lesson “A man is known by the company he keeps.” into a compact story about everyday judgment.
Characters in this scene
- The Ass: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- his Purchaser: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
A Man who wanted to buy an Ass went to market, and, coming across a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like. When he reached home, he put him into his stable along with the other asses.