The Man and the Ass

A certain Man, when he had made A sacrifice, for special aid To Hercules, and killed a swine, Did for his Ass's share assign All the remainder of the corn; But he, rejecting it with scorn, Thus said: "I gladly would partake- But apprehend that life's at stake; For he you fatted up and fed With store of this, is stuck and dead." Struck with the import of this tale, I have succeeded to prevail Upon my passions, and abstain, From peril of immod'rate gain. But, you will say, those that have come Unjustly by a handsome sum, Upon the pillage still subsist- Why, if we reckon up the list, You'll find by far the major part Have been conducted in the cart: Temerity for some may do, But many more their rashness rue.