“The heavy-laden ass is a verity in ancient lore; even its name is used to express hardship and endurance; as from the Greek word ὄνος, an ass, is supposed to be derived the Latin _onus_, signifying a _burden_.”
Mein herr made a pause, he was evidently lapsing into the delusion that he was in his _Collegienhaus_, lecturing on donkeys. The gentle frau recalled his wandering wits by observing, in a low, sad voice:
“Oh! he shook so many things off; all lost; he shook half his load off in the creek!”
“Indeed!” exclaimed the herr, “is it possible! that was not to be expected of him. Many classical writers mention _loading_ the ass, but I cannot recall a single instance where he _unloaded_ himself in a creek!
“Horace, it is true, refers to what might be a little sulkiness under a heavy load, when he represents himself as a sort of discontented donkey under the infliction of some of his troublesome friends:
‘Demitto auriculas ut iniquæ mentis asellus Quum gravius dorso, subiit onus.’[29]
“Then, the poor creature has been at times imposed on in a manner which might excuse resentment. In ancient Rome, for instance, on sacred days all labor was forbidden, with the exception of some certain kinds considered necessary.
‘Quippe etiam festis quædam exercere diebus Fas et jura sinunt.’[30]
“The works allowed were setting traps for birds which were hurtful, ordering the trenches which irrigated the fields, and some few others of like kind. To the rustics, permission was granted to carry their farm produce to market on sacred days, and they also might bring a load back. This was allowed them in order that this business might not interrupt them on working-days. Now, a _load_ with them necessarily demanded an ass; consequently the ass knew no sacred day, no day of rest from his burdens, and _such_ loads, Mynheer von Steufle!
‘Sæpe oleo tardi costas agitator aselli Vilibus aut oneras pomis; lapidemque revertans Incusum,’ etc.[31]
“Oil, cheap fruits, millstones, black pitch! Ah! _mein lieber Freund_ what a load! I hardly believe they prefer thistles to grass, as some say, but they will subsist on one-third of what is required by a horse under all this labor.”
Jans looked at him ruefully and incredulous:
