A man owned an ass and a lovely lapdog.
The ass lived in a stable with plenty of oats and hay to eat, just like any other ass. The lapdog, however, knew many tricks and was a great favorite of his master.
The master seldom went out to dine or sup without bringing back a treat for the dog, who would jump about him pleasantly. The ass, on the contrary, had much work to do: grinding corn at the mill, carrying wood from the forest, or hauling burdens from the farm. He often complained about his hard fate, contrasting it with the lapdog's life of luxury and idleness.
Finally, one day, the ass broke his chain and ran into his master's house. He kicked up his heels and jumped about as best he could. Next, he tried to jump around his master as he had seen the lapdog do, but he broke the table and smashed all the dishes on it to pieces. He then tried to lick his master and jumped upon his back.
The servants, hearing the strange noise and fearing for their master's safety, quickly came to his aid. They drove the ass back to his stable with kicks and beatings. As he returned to his stall, beaten nearly to death, the ass cried out sadly, "I have brought it all on myself! Why could I not have been contented to labor with my companions, instead of wishing to be idle all day like that useless little lapdog?"