Aesop

The Ass and the Old Shepherd

Summary

This short story illustrates a conversation between a Shepherd and his Ass during a moment of crisis when an enemy is approaching. The Shepherd is concerned about their safety and urges the Ass to flee with him to avoid capture. However, the Ass responds with a pragmatic perspective, questioning the necessity of fleeing if its circumstances remain unchanged, regardless of its master. The Ass expresses indifference towards its servitude, emphasizing that as long as it is burdened by panniers, it makes no difference who the taskmaster is. This tale teaches a lesson about accepting one's condition and suggests contemplation on whether some changes are worthwhile if the fundamental aspects remain unchanged.

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A Shepherd, watching his Ass feeding in a meadow, was alarmed all of a sudden by the cries of the enemy. He appealed to the Ass to fly with him, lest they should both be captured, but the animal lazily replied, “Why should I, pray? Do you think it likely the conqueror will place on me two sets of panniers?” “No,” rejoined the Shepherd. “Then,” said the Ass, “as long as I carry the panniers, what matters it to me whom I serve?”

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