248. Asinus Fimum et Flores Gerens. Asellus ibat, fimo olente oneratus. Cum vero plerique de via late decederent, pestem fetidam refugientes, “Hi nos verentur,” ait, “et nostris meritis debitum honorum praestant.” Altera die rediit, flores gerens figlinis vasibus positos. Ad ipsum multi accedunt, odores optimos et colores vividos secuti. At ille existimat turbam confluxisse se unum videndi et admirandi gratia. Stupiditas hoc percommodum oppido habet, quod cuncta facile in optimam partem accipit.
M0248 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 11.7 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites Le Noble and Boursault as his sources. Compare the fable of the ox who resents having to haul manure, #286.