The Donkey and the Calf

The Donkey and the Calf. There was a donkey and a calf who were feeding together in the same meadow. From the sound of the bells ringing, they became aware that an enemy army was approaching. The calf said, "Let's get out of here, my companion." The donkey replied, "You better run: since the enemy are in the habit of killing and eating creatures like you. For donkeys like me, it doesn't make any difference since we are always carrying loads, whoever is in charge."

Asinus et Vitulus. Asinus et Vitulus, in eodem pascentes prato, sonitu campanae hostilem exercitum adventare praesenserant. Tum Vitulus "Fugiamus hinc, O sodalis," inquit, "ne hostes nos captivos abducant." Cui Asinus "Fuge tu," inquit, "quem hostes occidere et esse consueverunt. Asini nihil interest, cui ubique eadem ferendi oneris est proposita conditio."

Notes. This is Abstemius 8. As usual with Abstemius, it is not found in Perry's inventory. The story is an interesting twist on Phaedrus's fable about the old man and the donkey in similar circumstances; having the donkey carry on the discussion with a heifer adds a nice new twist, given that the heifer is edible!