Author: Jean de La Fontaine

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[1]

     A man, whom I shall call an ass-eteer,
     His sceptre like some Roman emperor bearing,
     Drove on two coursers of protracted ear,
     The one, with sponges laden, briskly faring;
     The other lifting legs
     As if he trod on eggs,
     With constant need of goading,
     And bags of salt for loading.
     O'er hill and dale our merry pilgrims pass'd,
     Till, coming to a river's ford at last,
     They stopp'd quite puzzled on the shore.
     Our asseteer had cross'd the stream before;
     So, on the lighter beast astride,
     He drives the other, spite of dread,
     Which, loath indeed to go ahead,
     Into a deep hole turns aside,
     And, facing right about,
     Where he went in, comes out;
     For duckings two or three
     Had power the salt to melt,
     So that the creature felt
     His burden'd shoulders free.
     The sponger, like a sequent sheep,
     Pursuing through the water deep,
     Into the same hole plunges
     Himself, his rider, and the sponges.
     All three drank deeply: asseteer and ass
     For boon companions of their load might pass;
     Which last became so sore a weight,
     The ass fell down,
     Belike to drown,
     His rider risking equal fate.
     A helper came, no matter who.
     The moral needs no more ado - 
     That all can't act alike, - 
     The point I wish'd to strike.

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Type of Poem: Fable

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem, employing a fable-like narrative, delivers a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and individuality. Its central characters, the "ass-eteer" and his two donkeys, serve as symbolic agents through which the author expresses the theme of individual differences and the dangerous consequences of blind imitation.

Written in an engaging, playful tone, the poet uses the narrative structure effectively to build up to the moral insight. The poem unfolds sequentially, leading the reader along the journey of the protagonists, before reaching the pivotal moment of crisis at the river ford. The structure thus mirrors the narrative progression, building tension and anticipation.

Key literary devices include the use of vivid, humorous imagery ("As if he trod on eggs") and rhyme to maintain a light-hearted rhythm, even while addressing the serious theme. The poet's choice to compare the man to a "Roman emperor" and the donkeys as "pilgrims" showcases the use of metaphorical language to elevate the narrative beyond its literal context.

Ultimately, the poem delivers a poignant message about the importance of individuality and the dangers of thoughtless conformity, asserting that "all can't act alike." This message, wrapped in a delightful and comedic narrative, makes the poem an engaging read, showcasing the poet's command over language, structure, and thematic exploration.