Chapter 85
An ass, who belonged to a gardener and had little to eat but much to do, prayed to Jupiter to release him from the gardener’s employ and provide him with another master. However, Jupiter was angry that the ass was discontent and placed him in the service of a potter. Now the ass had a greater burden to bear than before and appealed to Jupiter once more to lighten his work. So, Jupiter intervened and had him sold to a tanner. Once the ass realized what kind of work his new master did, the ass uttered a sorrowful moan: “Alas, wretch that I am! I would have been better off if I had remained content with my former masters. Not only will my new owner work me harder while living, but he won’t even spare my hide when I am dead!”
Whoever is dissatisfied in one place will seldom be happy in another.
