Section 203
The Pack-Ass, the Wild Ass, and the Lion explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Wild 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...
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Public-domain original
A Wild 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.
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 Pack-Ass, The Wild Ass, and The Lion shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns the lesson “It is no use being your own master unless you can stand up for yourself.” into a compact story about everyday judgment.
Characters in this scene
- The Pack-Ass: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Wild Ass: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Lion: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
In simple terms, The Pack-Ass, The Wild Ass, and The Lion face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.