The Miller His Son And The Ass

by Aesop

　　One day, a long time ago, an old Miller and his Son were on theirway to market with an Ass which they hoped to sell. They drovehim very slowly, for they thought they would have a better chanceto sell him if they kept him in good condition. As they walkedalong the highway some travelers laughed loudly at them.

　　"What foolishness," cried one, "to walk when they might as wellride. The most stupid of the three is not the one you wouldexpect it to be."

　　The Miller did not like to be laughed at, so he told his son toclimb up and ride.

　　They had gone a little farther along the road, when threemerchants passed by.

　　"Oho, what have we here?" they cried. "Respect old age, youngman! Get down, and let the old man ride."

　　Though the Miller was not tired, he made the boy get down andclimbed up himself to ride, just to please the Merchants.

　　At the next turnstile they overtook some women carrying marketbaskets loaded with vegetables and other things to sell.

　　"Look at the old fool," exclaimed one of them. "Perched on theAss, while that poor boy has to walk."

　　The Miller felt a bit vexed, but to be agreeable he told the Boyto climb up behind him.

　　They had no sooner started out again than a loud shout went upfrom another company of people on the road.

　　"What a crime," cried one, "to load up a poor dumb beast likethat! They look more able to carry the poor creature, than he tocarry them."

　　"They must be on their way to sell the poor thing's hide," saidanother.

　　The Miller and his Son quickly scrambled down, and a short timelater, the market place was thrown into an uproar as the two camealong carrying the Donkey slung from a pole. A great crowd ofpeople ran out to get a closer look at the strange sight.

　　The Ass did not dislike being carried, but so many people came upto point at him and laugh and shout, that he began to kick andbray, and then, just as they were crossing a bridge, the ropesthat held him gave way, and down he tumbled into the river.

　　The poor Miller now set out sadly for home. By trying to pleaseeverybody, he had pleased nobody, and lost his Ass besides.

　　If you try to please all, you please none.