Chapter II: Part 2

“Poor Caroline will be delighted with her Donkey,” said he, and he sighed; “dear girl,” he continued, “may it afford you a transient gratification, and we will endeavour to be satisfied that our intentions are directed to your comfort.”

“Ah! this is just what she will like,” said the Doctor examining me, “come, George, lead him into the court, and I will persuade her to walk on the lawn.”

George Manton took the reins and I hastened to meet my mistress; as we turned the angle of the house, I discerned a sweet looking girl leaning on the arm of the Doctor.

“My dear sir,” said Miss Caroline, “how kind you are! I shall be afraid of expressing my wishes, if I am to be the occasion of so much trouble to you;” and walking towards me, she declared I was the handsomest Donkey she had ever seen.

“And I hope he is appointed to carry a docile girl,” smiled the Doctor, “who will never venture to misapply terms, and call that a trouble which is my highest gratification.” Miss Caroline pressed the hand of the Doctor, I thought she looked sorrowful, but it was very becoming to her for her manner was perfectly natural. Mr. George Manton proposed her trying me immediately; my fair mistress making no objection, I had the inexpressible delight of conveying her to a spot called Prospect Point, at the summit of an adjacent hill. George Manton walked by my side, occasionally applauding the steadiness of my pace and bestowing on our species in general the most flattering commendations. “Yet the Ass is an animal whose services are ill requited,” said my mistress.

“Cruelly so,” replied George Manton. “I declare I have often felt disposed to interfere in their behalf, particularly in London; where the heaviest loads are imposed on them without the least regard to their strength, or the poor food on which they subsist.”

“I have often thought the hardy nature of the ass exposed them to greater suffering,” resumed Miss Caroline; “we are anxious to provide for those creatures whom nature has made less independent, while such as can shift for themselves are liable to neglect.”

“This does not excuse us, Caroline; on the contrary it places our characters in a most unamiable point of view. There is a want of feeling, of common gratitude, in denying our support to the animal that performs its duties faithfully, and as I believe few persons deny the advantages of economy, I cannot comprehend why the services of the humble Donkey should go unrewarded.”

“If this poor fellow could understand us,” rejoined my mistress, gently stroking my neck, “he would know he had fallen into good hands; but the brute creation collectively claim my compassion; there is something shocking in the idea of a horse, a dog, or any animal, being pampered and petted one day, and on the next ill used, if not starved.”

“The fluctuating nature of that animal, man, makes this too probable, Caroline; as your knowledge of the world increases you will find this instability is not confined to his dumb inferiors; power is a dangerous weapon, and, like riches, frequently changes the character of its possessor.”

My mistress smiling replied, “Well, George, we shall see how you use your wealth.”

The young gentleman answered gaily, but there was a melancholy sat on his brow which to me appeared extraordinary. The dew beginning to fall, we turned towards home, where I left my lovely burthen and repaired to a comfortable shed appropriated to my use.

It would be impossible to picture my individual happiness at this period; but alas! I had drawn a false estimate of that of the Penrose family. Miss Caroline was not the daughter of the Doctor but his ward; the sweetness of her temper had endeared her to every member of the family; the servants contended who should wait upon her, and it was with deep regret I perceived she daily required more assistance; naturally delicate, my respected mistress had taken cold after dancing, consumptive symptoms ensued, and when I became an inhabitant of Penrose paddock, the Doctor considered her situation hopeless. Mr. George Manton would sometimes fancy he saw an improvement in her looks; his father repressed these hopes, gently reminding him that the disease under which Miss Caroline languished was frequently most flattering when its last and more fatal symptoms were at hand.

How sweet were my labours in the service of Caroline Morden! with what zeal I attended her pleasure, and how humane was the conduct of Mr. George Manton! This young man, then in his nineteenth year, possessed all that information which distinguishes the more advanced in life, without a particle of vanity: his opinions were given with so much deference, there was so much pliability in his temper, I think it would have improved the most stupid Ass in the world if he had the benefit of observing the manner, and listening to the conversation of this excellent youth.

I freely confess my obligations to this young gentleman. The degrading insults I received from Martello and old Bessy, a half blind mare, had more than once roused me to anger--it might be jealousy on their part, for my situation was certainly most enviable--but there is something in contempt which even an Ass is disposed to resent. Straying into their demesne one evening, I was pursued from place to place, snorted at and treated with every indignity; it was in vain I endeavoured to repel their attacks; fortunately Mr. George saw my distress and came to my relief. When recovered from my fright I could scarcely help smiling at the idea of an animal so large as the horse being so easily subdued by man. At this moment the Doctor joined his son, and hearing of my fracas, a conversation ensued which helped to enlighten me in this respect.

“One wonders to see the antipathy of these animals so lively in their domesticated state,” said George Manton; “the query to me is, whether the Ass is a degenerated horse, or a distinct species.”

“Buffon says, the Ass is not a horse degenerated,” replied the Doctor, “that like all other animals he has his family, his species and his rank; his blood is pure, and although his nobility is less illustrious, yet it is equally good and ancient with that of the horse.”

“In his wild state, the Ass becomes a formidable enemy to the horse,” resumed Mr. George.

“Yes, they will not suffer a horse to associate with them, and should one stray where they are feeding, they attack him with the most savage fury, never quitting him till he appears to be quite dead. Thus, though man by cultivation and care seems to have changed the characters of domestic animals, I am of opinion that nature is more frequently restrained than subdued; there will be less ferocity in the creature that is uniformly well treated, but even the dog, that sagacious, faithful friend, has been known to turn against his oppressor though that oppressor was his master.”

“Then you allow the existence of temper in the brute creation, Sir?”

“Why I think it is impossible to deny it, George;” replied the Doctor, “the schoolmaster’s rod is not more efficacious on occasion than the whip of the horseman; and with respect to the horse, I would say, this truly noble animal is tenacious of his rights, feels his superiority over all other quadrupeds, and, though capable of the warmest attachment, is at times subject to the caprices of temper.”

“I have certainly observed a degree of obstinacy, as of passion, in the animal in question, and grieved to witness the chastisement he has in consequence received; yet one ought not to wonder at this when we reflect on the slight causes that rouse _us_ to irritability.”

“Poor Caroline’s favourite must be confined to the paddock,” resumed the Doctor, “Martello is a high spirited Castilian, but like his species will acquire humility as his services become less distinguished.”

“The patience of the Ass, makes him valuable in my eyes,” continued Mr. George, leaning on my back and kindly smoothing my coat.

“And what is remarkable, George,” said the Doctor, “from the moment the Ass carries his first load, this tractability is a striking feature in his character.”

The arrival of my mistress, who approached us leaning on the arm of her maid, interrupted the conversation. If I could have felt angry in her presence, this would have been the moment, for I was listening with all my ears, and when their length is considered, it will be admitted that few animals possess more extensive opportunity for the acquisition of knowledge.

CHAP. V.

_Symptoms of Education._

Called to the performance of my duty, I bore Miss Morden to “Prospect Point;” the halts made in our short journey convinced me my mistress could ill bear the fatigue of riding. Yet the same gentleness of manner was remarkable, the same engaging spirit of inquiry which made her so estimable to her friends. Seated upon a camp chair, Miss Caroline asked many questions respecting my species. I grazed at her feet in the hope of increasing my little stock of information.

“It was the Spaniards who transported the Ass to America, Sir?” said my mistress, addressing her guardian.

“Yes, my love,” replied Mr. Manton, “and that country seems to have been favourable to this race of animals; they have multiplied in amazing numbers, so much so, that in Quito the owners of the grounds where they are bred, suffer all persons to take away as many as they can, on paying a small acknowledgment in proportion to the number of days their sport lasts.”

“I have read an interesting description of their manner of descending the Andes in South America; it must be terrifying to see them slide down such immense precipices.”

“But the sagacity they display on these occasions, by no means entitle them to the degrading epithets so generally attached to the mention of an Ass. When they approach these descents, they stop of themselves, and should the rider attempt to spur them on, they continue immoveable. They seem at this time ruminating on the danger which lies before them and preparing for the encounter. They not only view the road, but tremble and snort at the danger.”

“I cannot conceive how the rider keeps his seat,” said my mistress.

“He has only to sit firm on his saddle without checking the rein, for the least motion would destroy the equilibrium of the Ass, in which case both must inevitably perish; and indeed the posture of the animal is favourable to his burthen in these descents--Their fore feet being placed as though they were stopping themselves, the hind feet put together, but a little forward; in this attitude they slide down with the swiftness of a meteor, and their address in this rapid descent is truly wonderful; for in their swiftest motion they follow the different windings of the road, as if they had previously settled the route they were to pursue.”

“I really think the animal that conveyed me safely over a pass of this kind would ever after be entitled to my gratitude.”

“Fame, is all that the poor Ass attains,” resumed Mr. Manton. “He gains a kind of reputation, after being long used to these journeys, but I rather doubt that his happiness is increased by this; so true is it, that fame, whether attached to the rational or animal creation, is but an empty name.”

“A mere bubble,” laughed Mr. George; “the Ass, however, has certainly risen in our estimation. Surely since the ladies have condescended to ride them, and make them useful in drawing carriages, some of those attentions bestowed upon the horse, are indisputably their due.”

“Unless you think with Gay, ‘an Ass should like an Ass be treated,’” smiled the Doctor; “of course you allude to their being regularly fed, rubbed down and washed; this is the practice at Cairo, they in consequence grow to a large size and are occasionally sold at a high price. In this country, on the contrary, this useful animal is much neglected and abused. We educate the horse with the greatest care, nothing is spared to render him beautiful, he is dressed, attended, instructed, and exercised; while the Ass is abandoned to the brutality of servants, or to the abuse of children. If he had not a great many good qualities, he would not be able to bear the hard usage to which he is daily exposed and which certainly makes him more stupid, and indocile than he otherwise would be.”

“My dear Sir,” exclaimed my mistress, “pray do not call them all indocile and stupid! I declare I could almost imagine my Jemmy understood my feelings, he stops when I cough, and is the best tempered creature in the world.”

You may be sure this remark of Miss Caroline’s met my approbation; for all my asinine pride had been roused by the concluding observation of the Doctor. Mr. George further tranquillized my irritated nerves.

“We do not consider, that if the horse had no existence,” resumed my amiable champion, “the Ass, both in himself, and with regard to us, would be the most distinguished animal in the creation--it is comparison alone that degrades him.”

“And this ought not to offend him, did he understand us,” said my mistress, presenting some oak leaves for my acceptance, “for it is by comparison we draw most of our conclusions, and the Donkey must submit to that which his master has no means of avoiding. The flesh of the Ass is sometimes eaten I believe,” added Miss Caroline.

“Yes the Arabians take them in snares for the sake of their flesh,” replied Mr. George; “the Romans were likewise fond of them; Pliny tells us that the epicures preferred those of Africa to all others.”

“These creatures are very nice with regard to water,” resumed Miss Morden, “and I observe in drinking never sink their nose like the horse.”

“It is alleged he is afraid of the shadow of his ears; but I should rather attribute this to his general antipathy to that element, for he never wallows in mire or water, having a dislike to wetting his feet, and will turn out of his road to avoid a puddle.”

“If the Donkey would bear it, I should like vastly to see how he would look when rubbed down and washed,” said my Mistress; “I am sure it must conduce to the health of the animal.”

“We will try him,” said Mr. George; “perhaps, Caroline, you anticipate some freak from your Donkey, for the Ass frequently takes the liberty of rolling himself amongst thistles, or ferns, without regard to his burthen, but seemingly with a view to reproach the neglect of his master.”

Never had I before wished to possess the power of speech; how I longed to assure my Mistress she had nothing to apprehend from me, that my utmost ambition was to attend her pleasure! And, though I certainly shrank from the operation to which she had doomed me, I yet resolved to bear it patiently, and if possible continue to deserve her good opinion. There is a promptitude in plans of the young, which sometimes leaves reason at a distance:--Thus, though it was evening, and near the hour of retiring, we no sooner reached home than Mr. George hastened to fulfil the wishes of my Mistress; disrobing me of my trappings, and throwing off his coat, he procured two pails of water and dashing them at my sides, strove to encourage me under my suffering by the kindest and most endearing expressions. In vain I tried to seem pleased, it would not do; my whole frame was shivering, nor could the rubbing down, or the approving voice of my Mistress, reconcile me to the uneasiness of my situation. I take credit to myself that I did not rebel, and by a kick, forfeit my good character. Impatient to make my retreat, I believe I made an attempt to escape, but Mr. George was really too much interested in my welfare to leave my coat absolutely wet.

The Doctor, who had been visiting his patients, returned at this juncture.

“Hey-day,” said the old gentleman, “why is it possible you have been so imprudent as to wash the Donkey at this time of night? I am afraid the poor creature will suffer from your thoughtlessness, George: my dear fellow, you should have reflected that when inflicting a sort of penance on this animal, it was in your power to temper it, by giving him the benefit of a warm sun to dry himself; nay, it would have been good policy. The Donkey invigorated and refreshed by your exertion, might in future, have submitted to your wishes with cheerfulness.”

“Oh dear, I hope he wont take cold,” said my Mistress, who was sitting at the window; “do pray Sir, let Jenkins be called, he understands horses, and may, perhaps, advise what is best to be done for my poor Jemmy.”

Jenkins was called; but, mark the brutality of this man, he could neither allow that I was improved by my sousing, nor that any harm could come to an Ass for any thing of the sort.

“Why they are as hard as iron,” said he, “and as obstinate as mules; for my part I cannot see why they are ever used, not I, nasty sulky brutes.”

Mr. George could be very droll at times, and he knew the character of Jenkins.

“You must not speak disrespectfully of Jemmy,” replied he, “he is a very good tempered fellow Jenkins, and if he does not suffer from his washing to-night, _we_ must see that it is done every day.”

“Sir?” replied Jenkins,--“_I_ tend Donkeys! No! Mr. George, I have enough to do with my horses.”

“So then you would not to oblige me, bestow a little time on this inoffensive animal?”

“It would be lost time, Sir, I know it; time out of mind they have been known to be stupid, dirty brutes.”

“Well,” said the Doctor, “Jemmy must decide this point, if _he_ is not injured by my son’s mistake in washing him at night-fall instead of the morning, I shall expect that you, Jenkins, will be ready to do as Mr. George has proposed.”

Jenkins was mute in the presence of his master, but as he drove me to my shed his eloquence revived: nor did he omit to urge me on by several smart blows on my sides.

“A pretty thing indeed, to turn Donkey-dresser after twenty year’s service!” muttered he, “yes, to be sure I’ll dress you, but it shall be with a good horse-whip.”

These threatenings were not lost upon me. It seemed as though my fortitude was to be tried to the utmost. It gives me pleasure, however, to state, I sustained no material injury from this my first introduction to a cold bath; the agitation of my nerves subsided as I reverted to the motives which influenced my Mistress. It would have been ungrateful in the extreme had I done otherwise; and I recommend it to Asses in general, to adopt a similar effort of their understandings, under every real or imaginary oppression.

Had I sat--lain down, I should have said,--to ruminate on the wretchedness of my condition, petulantly concluded that my protectors had a pleasure in seeing me miserable, it is probable I had nourished revenge in my bosom, or by concealing my feelings brought on some serious malady. That I looked to the morrow, with the same thoughtless indifference as formerly, I will not pretend to say:--No, I dreaded a repetition of that shock from which I had so lately escaped; my sleep was broken, and uneasy; huge pails, and rough brushes, passed before my “mind’s eye,” and the unamiable visage of Jenkins more than once crossed my imagination.

As I profess to be an Ass of some observation, it may be supposed I made my own reflections on the conversation of the preceding day.

As a member of the asinine community, I had received much gratification from the handsome things said of us; the subordination of animals to their masters no longer astonished me; on the contrary I could not but admire the confidence man places in the beast of burden, by trusting his personal safety to our discretion and sagacity. I readily allowed, that _our_ tractability should be _evident_ ere these distinctions were bestowed upon us. And had there been any thing wanting to reconcile me to the degrees of master and servant, I had seen an instance between man and man, where a deficiency in the respect due to a superior had placed the humbler party in an ungracious point of view. The sullen reluctance of Jenkins incited the good Doctor to exert an authority very foreign to his disposition. Had Jenkins represented this additional labour as incompatible with his other employments, his humane master would readily have listened to him. How creatures possessing the power of speech can so far pervert its use I cannot understand!

But I am prattling like a giddy Donkey, forgetting, in my resentment towards Jenkins, the numberless imperfections in my own fraternity. I know we can be sulky--obstinate in the extreme! yes, many a stripe have I borne, rather than submit to the guidance of a capricious rider; and if I _could_ have spoken, there is no saying how far I might have committed myself. I perceive all the danger of judging others, more especially those of a distinct genus;--but surely there can be no harm in expressing one’s contempt for that sort of revenge which leads a _rational_ being to vent his anger on an innocent Donkey, when it was perfectly in his power to state his grievance, had he chosen to do so respectfully. Suppose _we_ sometimes stand still when we ought to proceed; or dismount our rider by surprise, will you make no allowance for our fatigue? nor do us the honor of believing that like yourselves we have our caprices? We possess no modes of expressing our displeasure, but such as render us odious in the eyes of our superiors: yet I declare (excepting the fastidious old Balaam) I do not recollect that I was ever considered an ill-conducted Donkey; and as I am willing to allow that I share in common the foibles of my particular class, it leads me to conclude that tenderness to the failings of one’s _own_ species is but a sort of self love which even an Ass may detect, if he is disposed to take the trouble.

Amidst the many vague wishes which floated in my brain at this happy period of my existence, was one which had incessantly haunted me since first I entered on the world--a desire to exhibit myself in my handsome trappings before old Balaam.

Do not dishonor my feelings, courteous reader, or suppose that I had become insensible to parental love; no, an Ass of my acquaintance had informed me a meeting of this tender nature was totally out of the question, and that the first separation of the foal from its dam was generally a final one.

With Balaam the case was otherwise; he regularly passed the summer at Tunbridge, in Kent, and hearing by accident that we were only a few miles distant from that fashionable place, I sometimes indulged a hope of crossing his path. “How he will stare,” would I say to myself. “Yes, I think it will be hardly necessary to tell him, a Donkey’s life _may_ be very comfortable.--He will see I am well fed, cheerful, and elegantly dressed.”

In short, it would be endless to repeat the various harangues my Donkey capacity suggested, as appropriate to this much desired event. It did arrive, but not under the auspices I anticipated.

But I am gallopping as though I were an actual racer at this moment; and alas! I have some intervening vicissitudes to relate, and must endeavour to be methodical.

The morning arrived, and it was with heart-felt pleasure I heard the footstep of Mr. George Manton approaching my shed. Had Jenkins made his appearance, I really think I should have fainted; answering the kind salutation of Mr. George, I ran towards him, and we sallied forth. “Come my poor fellow,” said he, “I am glad to see you so brisk, we must pursue the same course, there is a warm sun to dry you this morning.” I started back intuitively, and as is usual with _us_ when alarmed, my ears inclined backwards; the young gentleman laughed at me, called me “a comical animal:” but finding him resolute, I made a virtue of necessity and submitted with a good grace. Jenkins was not of our party, and the expedition with which my young master performed his office soon left me at liberty to bask beneath the rays of a glowing summer sun.

CHAP. VI.

_A Transfer_.

The increasing weakness of my beloved Mistress, left me at liberty to amuse myself; but idleness was no longer pleasing, my duties had been so moderate, and in themselves so delightful, nothing could be more irksome than my situation when Miss Caroline used to employ me.

I heard something about a journey to Bristol, and such was my ignorance, I actually considered myself included in the arrangement; disappointment was my lot--they departed one morning ere I quitted my shed, and to add to my melancholy Jenkins, whether from forgetfulness or malice I know not, left me a prisoner during the whole day; in vain I kicked and brayed, my efforts were unheeded, and it is probable I should have been nearly famished had not the return of Mr. George, late in the evening, procured my release. “Is the Donkey housed, Mrs. Bennet?” said my young master, addressing the Housekeeper, who was passing near my prison.

“Dear heart! why I’ant seen him to-day,” said she, “poor fellow if he’s been locked up all this time, he must be almost starved.”

“This is Jenkins’s neglect,” replied Mr. George, opening the door; I ran forward overjoyed to behold my kind friend.

“Dear Caroline!” he exclaimed, “your poor favorite is already doomed to neglect,”--and following my footsteps, he seemed lost in his own reflections. I snatched a hasty but plentiful meal; took two or three trots across the paddock, and with due consideration for the fatigue and feelings of my patron, retreated to my shed for the night.

The Doctor was absent nearly a fortnight; his return seemed deeply to affect his son,--my young Mistress was no more, and every individual at Penrose, not excepting Jenkins, evinced the most heart-felt sorrow on this occasion.

I knew not what to think; days stole on, and if the full range of a fertile meadow, gentle treatment, from such of the family as chance threw in my way, if these ought to have made me content, I was a stupid Ass not to prize them,--but my sweet Mistress had said, “comparison, was the medium by which rational animals judge,” and could an Ass err in adopting this mode.

Alas! what a contrast did my inactive life present to that which had marked the days when Miss Morden’s pleasure guided my conduct. I have some reason to believe that the Doctor and his son entertained similar ideas respecting my situation; for, though I occasionally received their kind notice, I observed the name of my Mistress would escape their lips, as if they too were comparing the past with the present.

Whether idleness is really the parent of mischief I know not, it is certain, want of occupation led me into a folly, which fatally injured my future fortune. Tired by the monotony of my existence, I one morning strolled down a shady lane, contiguous to Penrose, and charmed by the fragrance, not less than the flavour of the hazel branches that courted my acceptance, continued my walk; when, turning an angle, I found myself in the high road. The morning was lovely, and though the sun had scarcely risen, there was a chirping amongst the birds, and an appearance of activity in the sons of men, which forcibly claimed my attention. I saw labourers going to their work--waggons creeping up the side of the hill,--while the inhabitants of a small Inn seemed busily preparing to receive their guests. At length a heavy laden stage approached; I stood gazing at the panting animals that drew it, when a smart stroke on my back, caused me to recede a few paces;--it was the coachman, who could not suffer an opportunity of shewing his _regard_ for _our_ species to escape him. As the horses were unloosed from the carriage, and led to the stables, their languid appearance excited my sympathy; comparison here seemed to place my Donkey hardships in the most trivial point of view, nor did it escape me that the four animals led out to supply their place looked jaded, and unfit to bear the fatigue to which they were destined. I was beginning to rejoice that I was not a horse, and I believe had made an apostrophe in the true spirit of an Ass, when a sallow looking man, with an old kettle upon his shoulder, fixed his eyes upon me; accustomed to admiration, I concluded my beauty attracted his notice, and under this impression slowly pursued my way; the man continuing to follow and talk to me in the gentlest language. Descending a hollow, the face of the country assumed another aspect; a large wood lay before me, and I felt it would be imprudent to proceed. But what was my horror and surprise, when this black-eyed gentleman seized me by the mane, and slipping an old leather belt from his waist threw it round my neck and expeditiously mounting my back, began urging me onward! My resistance was prompt, and for some minutes effective; I dismounted him twice, and bore the heaviest blows with determined courage,--till my brutal antagonist in a rage struck me on the head with his kettle, and nearly stunned me. Tortured almost to madness, I darted off at a pace which again unseated my rider; thinking this the moment for escape, I left him in a thicket and endeavoured to strike out a new path. I did so, and ran until nearly exhausted; when hearing the cry of a child and the buz of voices at a little distance, I hastened to the spot, where a group of five or six persons were seated under a tree; my sudden appearance startled them, but they received me with hospitality, and kindly leading me to an adjacent tree secured me from farther fatigue for the present, by fastening the tinker’s belt to one of its strongest branches. As my agitation subsided, I took an opportunity of looking at my neighbours; their features and complexion were unlike all I had ever seen, except those of my recent enemy, and a prophetic tremor shook my frame as I admitted the belief that I had introduced myself into the family of my kettle acquaintance. My suspicion was soon realized. The tinker arrived, and no sooner beheld me, than he broke into an exclamation of joy. “So you are here are you, you rascal!” said he--“you served me a pretty trick, but as I’ve got you at last, I forgive you.”

This leniency was wholly unexpected, and my spirits rose in proportion. But alas! this tranquillity was transient. To an Ass of my education, nothing could be more uncongenial than my new mode of life. The mysterious manner of my owners excited my surprise and curiosity; we rarely travelled in daylight, and our lodgings were uniformly fixed in the most unfrequented parts. There was a constant trepidation and alarm amongst them on the appearance of a passenger; if the wind rustled through the trees they hid their property of whatever description: and though we mutually fed on excellent food, I do not remember to have seen them _enjoy_ a single meal.

These facts were incomprehensible to me for some days; till, on our arrival at Maidstone, in Kent, Dan, my unfeeling purloiner, returning from a morning ramble, imparted his fears to his companions. “We must be off,” said he, “there’s a notice for all vagrants to quit the town, and I only axed for a job at one house, and they told me if a gipsy made his appearance he should be sent to jail.” This intelligence produced the utmost confusion in our party; and my back was destined to feel its immediate effect. Two panniers were slung across me; our remaining stock of provender, with the few cooking utensils that belonged to these wanderers, seemed too _light_ a load in their estimation, and a squalling child was added to my burthen. My legs tottered under this enormous load, but it would have been useless to contend at such a moment. Only one of the women with Dan accompanied me: I heard something of arrangements for the night, but was too much oppressed by my own sufferings to attend to them. What self accusations were mine during this day! Penrose, and its quiet enjoyments, were continually rising in my memory; and how often did I wish that the ignorance of my guides might lead them into its beloved neighbourhood. I misunderstood the character of my new owners; even though the fear of justice had not taught them caution, their natural sagacity cannot be questioned.

That we performed a long journey on this memorable day, my almost sinking frame could have attested; and the circuitous route we were compelled to make in order to avoid towns and villages added greatly to its length. It was ten o’clock, when, after wading through a sandy soil, similar as I should imagine to those countries[1] in which _we_ formerly made a conspicuous figure, that Dan, with evident satisfaction, pointed to a light and expressed his belief that our friends were at hand. This intimation gave me new vigour: his conjecture proved just: a large fire kindled beneath a shelving rock concealed the gipsies, and a plentiful supper regaled them after their fatigue. I must in justice declare, I never lived better than during this period; but whether to attribute this to their humanity, or that profusion is the attendant of profligacy, is not for me to determine. I certainly availed myself of their liberality with no disposition (at that time) to judge their conduct.

[1] Arabia, Persia and Egypt.

The assembled group now related the events of the day, which seemed to give universal satisfaction: till one of the women added, that she had heard a Donkey cried in the town of Tunbridge, and she was sure from the description it was me. I was instantly on the alert. Hope took possession of my bosom. Ah! and shall I again return to Penrose! sighed I. The next moment damped my joy. “We must sell him then,” said Dan; “I will set off in the morning and see what I can do.” Even this decision bore something of promise:--I should be released from my present ignominious mode of life, should no longer be the companion of thieves, and perhaps at Tunbridge I might meet my old Mentor Balaam. I will own there were other considerations which had their weight at that moment.

Tunbridge was a _fashionable_ place: it was, therefore, natural to suppose some attention would be paid to the _exterior_ of a Donkey, whose services were required by persons of fashion.

Surely, surely, vanity is the most formidable enemy to improvement! viz. with Asses: for I conclude no _other_ class of animals are so foolishly blind. Could any thing be more ridiculous than my again fixing my thoughts on fine trappings, when I had so lately murmured at my fate, though in the possession of these things? But I believe it is necessary to our _true_ enjoyment of life that we should experience some of its disappointments.

At an early hour next morning, Mr. Dan took leave of his companions, promising to retain me if it could be done with safety. To my great surprise the complexion of this gentleman was at least twenty shades fairer on this morning; and I found from the jocose remarks of his associates that _he_ was not a gipsy, but one of those criminal beings who prefer a life of fraud to the not more laborious, though respectable, calling of a mechanic. This change in the appearance of Dan was adopted as favourable to his expected sale of your humble servant; but even the adroitness of the _ci-devant_ gipsy was to be foiled. We were in the environs of Tunbridge Wells, near what are called the Bell Rocks: my ignorance in geography had led me to think the Wells must be contiguous to the town of Tunbridge--I was consequently surprised when Dan asked a waggoner if he thought there was any chance of his selling me if he crossed the hill.

“It’s like enough, master, the place is very full,” replied the waggoner. “But mayhap you _found_ this Donkey!” continued the man, “eh! if that’s the case you’d better make your market that way, there’s one been cried yesterday at Tunbridge Town.”

Dan muttered between his teeth, and coolly declaring I was his own property, we pursued our way, but at a slackened pace. We had just reached Mount Sion, and I was looking with delight on the fertile valleys below, when a voice vociferated,

“Holla, mister! I say, where did you get that Donkey?”

Dan dropped from my back and approaching the window of a public house, asked who called him.

“Where did you find that Donkey, I say?” resumed the man, whom I now discovered to be Jenkins, my surly insulter at Penrose.

“Did you say you had lost a Donkey, Sir?” said Dan with the utmost humility.

“Yes, we have lost one sure enough, and I’ve been a wild goose chase after it too,” continued Jenkins advancing, “but I should like to know where you found it, tell me that?”

“In ---- forest Sir, two days ago.”

“That’s a likely story truly; and now I look at your face, you rogue, I remember you well; you stole a saucepan under pretence of mending it; give me the Donkey and think yourself well off I dont send you to jail.”

Dan wholly denied having stolen me, declaring he never mended a saucepan in his life, (which was perhaps true) and positively insisted that he was taking me to Tunbridge, where he learned I had been cried, and hoped to get the reward offered for me, as he was very poor, and had a wife and seven children to support.

“You get no reward from me!” resumed Jenkins, seizing me from the reluctant Dan, “make the best of your way out of this place, or you may meet a reward you dont expect.”

The mortified Dan was forced to yield, the few persons who witnessed the altercation being decidedly in favour of Jenkins. What incomprehensible animals we Donkeys are! I, who had blushed for my degradation as the servant of a gipsy, knew not how to rejoice at falling into the hands of Jenkins: yet I trusted his power would be temporary, and looked forward to resuming my gambols in the luxuriant paddocks of Penrose.

Jenkins seemed in no hurry to depart; a rope procured from the landlord, and fastened to the sign post just without the door, secured me from straying, while it left me at liberty to observe my old enemy. I saw Jenkins and his companions drinking, and afterwards playing with spotted pieces of paper, I have since learned were cards; though the party were at first cheerful, loud words ensued, yet they continued to be amused with these things; at last the words,

“I’ll bet the Donkey on this hand,” reached my tired ears; I could not comprehend what _I_ had to do with their employment; a short time decided my fate. It seems Jenkins lost and I, in consequence, became the property of his opponent. I thought Jenkins looked sad, as my new master (a short coarse featured man) with an exulting smile, declared I was a very fine Donkey, and would bring him in six shillings a day at the least. These men whom I had seen so boisterous and apparently friendly, parted in the most ungracious manner. I was led to a poor hovel of a shed, in which I found two Donkeys reposing after the fatigues of the day; while I, who had fasted since the morning, was left to my own reflections.

The unprincipled conduct of Dan, increased by the wilful falsehoods he had uttered, left a serious impression on my mind; yet, upon contrasting Jenkins’s unjust transfer of his master’s property, _he_ appeared infinitely more reprehensible. He was a confidential servant, considered worthy of trust, and, though I would not defend the lawless depredations of my gipsy acquaintance, one does not expect the same correctness from those who exclude themselves from the influence of good example.

Now Jenkins lived in the bosom of a family eminent for their virtues, while Dan, by long association with the vicious, had become in a manner a stranger to those obligations by which man is bound to man and forbidden to do that to another he would consider unjust if applied to himself. But I must not expatiate on this subject; it is infinitely above my capacity, and you are no doubt impatient to hear how I was received amongst the fashionable Donkeys at Tunbridge.

CHAP. VII.

_High Life._

Fortune had hitherto precluded me from any extensive acquaintance with my own particular class; it was therefore with some timidity I anticipated the greetings of my snoring companions; fatigue and hunger had so completely subdued me, that contrary to our usual habits, I stretched myself at full length, and no doubt added to the _harmony_ of my associates.

Daylight was just peeping through our dilapidated shed, when my slumbers were broken by the whispering of my neighbours.

“A fellow-labourer, of course,” said one.

“He little thinks what a life he will lead,” replied the other.

“My friends!” said I, starting up, “allow an inexperienced Donkey, the benefit of your counsel?” I was proceeding in a strain of respectable entreaty, when one of my new neighbours imperiously replied--

“Experience implies _age_, and from your height I should conclude you were my senior.”

Hum, thinks I to myself, this is vanity, but of another kind; “But Sir, or Madam,” I continued, “I presume not to judge by this light--you _may_ be younger than myself, and you may be as old as my grandam.”

This unfortunate remark excited the indignation of my reprover, who turning from me in disdainful silence left me to regret my silly attempts at repartee. I was beginning to arrange a conciliatory apology, when the ill-suppressed laughter of my other companion checked my purpose,

“I certainly know that voice,” said he, “it can be none but the thoughtless Jemmy.”

“My dearest Mr. Balaam,” said I, _now_ really glad to hear his rough voice, “by what fortunate event do we meet at Tunbridge?”

“The _fortune_ of the thing rests with yourself, Jemmy, for I will answer for my visit being wholly involuntary; of course the love of novelty brings you hither; still a seeker after fashions I suppose, though by the langour of your voice, I conclude you do not find smart saddles and white bridles constitute the entire happiness of an Ass.”

With a sigh of heart-felt anguish I assented to this, simply stating the long fast I had been necessitated to keep.--Balaam generously cheered my spirits by assuring me I should fare tolerably well in my present service, but it was equally certain my fatigue would be extreme. The high minded Juba, who had treated me so cavalierly, now advanced and appeared desirous of my friendship.

I was too great a novice in the ways of the Donkey world, to understand that the countenance I received from Balaam had raised me in the estimation of this worldly Ass.

It might be a proof of _his discernment_ to value those whom Balaam esteemed, but my ideas of _friendship_ were at this period purely romantic, perhaps _you_ will call them vain; I looked for a congeniality of sentiments, similar tastes, in short, all those nothings which make up the tottering fabric of juvenile attachments. Of course while under this delusion, the advances of Juba met my sovereign contempt.--Balaam laughed at us, called us a pair of idiots, and by bidding me relate my precious adventures diverted my rising indignation.

The sincerity of my nature would not suffer me to gloss over my faults; I told my tale briefly, but faithfully.

“Well,” said Balaam, as my narration closed, “it must be confessed you merit your present degradation,--to leave Penrose paddock for you knew not what? silly, ungrateful Ass!”

“But, my dear Mr. Balaam,” said I, “I fully intended to return; I only wished to enjoy a morning ramble, and pray take into consideration that geography is not our fort.”

“Silence,” retorted Balaam,--“no quibbling Sir; instinct is bestowed upon _us_: let me tell you, Mr. Jem, that the Ass enjoys a large portion of this gracious gift;--what animal is quicker at scenting his master than an Ass? more readily knows his home, or is more sagacious in discovering the best track in a mountainous soil?--but you have carved your own fortune, and must abide by it, only beware of murmuring, nor by stepping out of your character as an Ass expose yourself to contempt.”

My heart was full, the severity of Balaam seemed peculiarly ill-timed, it was not in nature that a young hungry Donkey could bear such cutting language.

“I may have been faulty,” said I, “but all Asses are not as wise as Mr. Balaam.”

Balaam brayed most ironically, then in a softened tone added,--“It is my regard for you leads me to reprove your vanity; I know that the animal who offers advice is generally considered an Ass, but it shall not deter me from warning the offspring of an old friend.”

My feelings were instantly subdued, and with a tremulous voice I inquired after my parents. Balaam assured me my father was well when he last met him, and that my mother was most happily situated in the family of a farmer Adams.--The door of our hovel was now unbarred; after a glance at Juba, whose exterior by no means justified his _juvenile_ presumption, and regaling on the soft luxuriant pasturage that abounds in this pleasant country, we were called to work. A saddle, at least half a foot too long, disgraced my back; I saw Balaam smile as I curved and evinced my dissatisfaction at the unfitness of my dress; the thing was irremediable, we were led to the hill where ponies and donkeys of all sizes and descriptions were assembled.

It was quite a new scene to me; ladies and children mounted on ponies, while nursing maids and footmen were gallopping away upon donkeys: they seemed more able to carry than to guide; at length my turn came, and it was necessary to change the saddle, for my rider was a lovely little girl, about six years of age. A man and maid servant attended our progress; the dear creature was so light, and her attendants appeared so careful of her, I was convinced I carried no common burthen.

“Jane,” said my fair equestrian, “I wish mama could see me on this nice Donkey.”

“As we are to have him for an hour, Lady Harriet,” replied the maid, “suppose we lead him down to the cottage.”

The footman instantly took the hint, and walked by my side; as we approached the residence of Lady Harriet, a lady from a chamber window exclaimed,

“Well, how does my Harriet like her ride, are you sure you are not at all afraid?”

“Oh, no mama, it is so quiet, I wish it was my very own.”

“A likely matter to be sure Miss,” rejoined a young gentleman, who had just risen from his bed, and apparently roused to the exertion by a motive which did not do him honour, “if papa buys it, it will be for me, so make yourself easy as to that.”

At this moment a gentleman with a book in his hand issued from behind a tree.--“And pray Sir, who told you I was disposed to give any indulgence to a selfish sluggard?” said he.

“Why I thought to be sure, you would never buy a Donkey for a girl,” pouted the young gentleman; “but if I make haste and come down may I have a ride papa?”

“Certainly not,” replied his father.

“If I get up early to-morrow morning may I ride?”

“I make no terms with my children,” resumed the gentleman turning towards me: “it is a very fine Donkey, Philip,” he continued, addressing the footman, “does he go well?”

“Remarkably well, my Lord, quiet as a lamb, his paces are very good indeed.”

“What do you say Caroline, shall we make a purchase for Harriet?”

“Think how far we are from home,” said Lady Hampton,--“but do as you please my dear, at all events we can have him for a week or two.”

“True; well then, suppose we send Philip to make an agreement with his master;” Lady Hampton assenting, I was in less than an hour admitted into the temporary service of Lady Harriet Fancourt. It may be a silly remark I am going to make, but to me, there is not in existence, so laughable an animal as a male pet.--Judging by what is expected to constitute the masculine character in our class, I can make no allowance for the irritable petulances, the tearful complaints, and the jealous whims these creatures exhibit towards the softer sex, and until these weaknesses are totally disowned by the masculine gender, I beg leave to say, the word Hero must remain an indefinite expression.

I would call the month I passed in the Earl of Hampton’s family a blissful dream, had not the caprices of Master Hubert Fancourt occasionally interrupted my happiness.

It might sound harsh, to say this boy did not love his sister, but to judge from appearances such really was the case.--If my little mistress was enjoying a morning ride, Hubert was sure to interrupt us; and when strictly interdicted not to mount my back, but get a pony whenever he chose to rise at the hour his father appointed, though this mandate was by the Earl considered decisive, the undutiful boy continually infringed.

It was in vain that Philip interposed,--the poor nursery maid’s arms more than once suffered severely from his unmanly pinches, while the frightened Lady Harriet was threatened with a “good licking,” if she ever told her papa or mama that he rode the Donkey.

I used to wonder the servants did not betray this young tyrant, till I heard them say, “They could not find in their hearts to grieve such good parents; that it was quite impossible to make out how Mr. Hubert had grown such a tyrant, but they knew, when his brother, Lord Fancourt came home for the holidays, he would either make him better, or explain his thoughts to the Earl and his Lady.”

This event did not take place during my service in the Hampton family; thus it is my painful task to speak only of the foibles of Master Hubert. Lady Harriet was so gentle and affectionate in all respects, that the servants were always disposed to please her, and I observed in this sweet child a peculiarity of language I had never heard before.

“Philip, if you please, will you saddle the Donkey?” And “Jane, if you have had your dinner, I should like a little ride.” These prettinesses of speech sounded remarkably harmonious to my ears;--it did not appear, that the words in _themselves_ were difficult of pronunciation, on the contrary, I _had_ witnessed considerable efforts in children of _different_ dispositions, who by the adoption of peremptory commands laboured to make themselves ridiculous.

And how different was the effect! Alas! if young ladies and gentlemen could know how much their characters suffer by such disgraceful ebullitions, I think they would endeavour to be cautious, though they considered their inferiors to be Asses.

But I was speaking of Hubert Fancourt; he had played us so many tricks, I never saw him that I did not anticipate mischief. We were returning from a pleasant airing one morning, Philip employed in making a daisy chain for Lady Harriet, and Jane listening to the dear little creature’s recitation of some beautiful verses; when this young ruffian rushed through a hedge, and seizing my tail threw me of my guard, I kicked up my heels, my lovely burthen with astonishing presence of mind grasped the pommel of her saddle, and was thus spared from harm, but the screams of Master Hubert assured me I had done mischief.

“You deserve it Sir,” said Philip, raising the boisterous boy from the ground,--“I only hope you are more frightened than hurt.”

“Frightened you Booby, do you think I’m afraid of an Ass?” replied the struggling Hubert, “get away, I want none of your assistance.”

“Lead the Donkey, Philip,” said Jane, “and let me look at that cruel boy’s cheek.--Sir, I must wipe your face; it is bleeding,” continued Jane, as the young gentleman strove to evade her purpose.

“Oh dear me Jane, is my cheek really bleeding?” rejoined the alarmed Hubert. “What shall I do; will papa see it?”