The Jackass in Office

150. THE JACKASS IN OFFICE An Ass carrying an Image in a religious procession, was driven through a town, and all the people who passed by made a low reverence. Upon this, the Ass, supposing that they intended this worship for himself, was mightily puffed up, and would not budge another step. But the driver soon laid the stick across his back, saying at the same time, “You silly dolt! It is not you that they reverence, but the Image which you carry.”
Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office. [more info]

The Ass Carrying Relics

05.14: THE ASS CARRYING RELICS.
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.
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The Ass Carrying an Image

117. THE ASS CARRYING THE IMAGE. AN ASS once carried through the streets of a city a famous wooden Image, to be placed in one of its Temples. As he passed along, the crowd made lowly prostration before the Image. The Ass, thinking that they bowed their heads in token of respect for himself, bristled up with pride, gave himself airs, and refused to move another step. The driver, seeing him thus stop, laid his whip lustily about his shoulders and said, “O you perverse dull-head! it is not yet come to this, that men pay worship to an Ass.”
They are not wise who give to themselves the credit due to others. [more info]

The Ass and the Image

19. THE ASS AND THE IMAGE.
An Ass once carried through the town
A precious Image of renown
Upon his back. Observing how
The crowds upon the streets would bow
Their heads devoutly as he passed
He thought they bowed to him. "At last!
Brayed he, "the world has come to see
My wisdom, my nobility,
My majesty, my strength of will!"
Reflecting thus, the Ass stood still;
Nor would he stir a step until
In angry tones the driver cried,
"Get up, you lazy beast!" and plied
His whip. "Maybe you think it's you
The people there are bowing to!
Things have come to a pretty pass
When folks turn out to laud an ASS!" [more info]

The Ass Carrying Relics

013. THE ASS CARRYING RELICS.
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.
[more info]