Apelles met a little ass and invited him to tea that very night. Trembling with delight, the ass pranced through the woods, pestering all who passed: "Apelles bores me so! He won't leave me alone. Whenever he sees me, he asks me for tea. I'm sure he wants to paint a Pegasus from me!"
"Oh, no!" said Apelles, who happened to be nearby. "I am painting the judgment of King Midas. I sought you out because you seem to boast ears of a most suitable length. So if you'll come to tea, I shall be most pleased. For while long-eared asses are not rare, none—big or small—could ever compare to the ears you show!"