The Ass and His Masters

An ass that belonged to a gardener, and had little to eat and much to do, besought Jupiter to release him from the gardener's service and give him another master. Jupiter, angry at his discontent, gave him over to a potter. He had now heavier burdens to carry than before and again appealed to Jupiter to relieve him, who accordingly contrived that he should be sold to a tanner.

The ass having now fallen into worse hands than ever, and daily observing how his master was employed, exclaimed with a groan; "Alas, wretch that I am! It had been better for me to have remained content with my former masters, for now I see that my present owner not only works me harder while living, but will not even spare my hide when I am dead!"

He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.