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An old Peasant was sitting in a meadow watching his Ass, 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."

THE OX AND THE FROG