The Ass Carrying Relics.

A poem by Jean de La Fontaine

[1]

An ass, with relics for his load,
Supposed the worship on the road
Meant for himself alone,
And took on lofty airs,
Receiving as his own
The incense and the prayers.
Some one, who saw his great mistake,
Cried, 'Master Donkey, do not make
Yourself so big a fool.
Not you they worship, but your pack;
They praise the idols on your back,
And count yourself a paltry tool.'

'Tis thus a brainless magistrate
Is honour'd for his robe of state.