The Ass, the Crow, and the Wolf

An ass, which had a sore on its back, was grazing in a meadow. A crow settled on it and pecked at the sore with its beak. The ass, under the sting of the pain, began to bray and leap about. The ass-driver, who was some way off, burst out laughing. A wolf who was passing saw him and said to himself, "How wretched we are! It is enough for us to be seen, for people to give us chase; but let these fellows dare come near, and people smile at them."