His long-ear’d brethren all were dead;

And he, o’er-loaded and oppress’d,

Would soon be with them—and at rest.

No more with light load gladly borne,

He caracolled from night till morn;

No longer well-fed and caress’d.

High placed in stall, a welcome guest,

He pour’d to lord and lady gay

His most unmusical of bray;

Old steeds were changed, the donkeys gone,