Section 103
The Ass and the Old Peasant explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
An old Peasant was sitting in a meadow watching his , which was grazing close by, when all of a sudden he caught sight of armed men stealthily approaching. He jumped up in a moment, and begged the Ass to fly with him as fast as he could, "Or else," said he, "we shall both be captured by...
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
An old Peasant was sitting in a meadow watching his , which was
grazing close by, when all of a sudden he caught sight of armed men
stealthily approaching. He jumped up in a moment, and begged the Ass
to fly with him as fast as he could, "Or else," said he, "we shall
both be captured by the enemy." But the Ass just looked round lazily
and said, "And if so, do you think they'll make me carry heavier loads
than I have to now?" "No," said his master. "Oh, well, then," said the
Ass, "I don't mind if they do take me, for I shan't be any worse off."
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
An old peasant changes masters but finds the ass’s burden remains the same.
Why this scene matters
This fable shows that political change may not help those whose daily burden stays unchanged.
Characters in this scene
- Ass: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Old Peasant: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The peasant asks his ass about a new ruler. The ass only wants to know whether the load will be lighter.