Then the doorkeeper opened his eyes most wonderfully wide, and ran to the King and said, “Outside by the gate sits a young donkey which plays the lute as well as an experienced master!”

“Then let the musician come to me,” said the King. When, however, a donkey came in, everyone began to laugh at the lute-player. And now the donkey was asked to sit down and eat with the servants.

He, however, was unwilling, and said, “I am no common stable-ass, I am a noble one.”

Then they said, “If that is what thou art, seat thyself with the men of war.”

“No,” said he, “I will sit by the King.”

The King smiled, and said good-humouredly, “Yes, it shall be as thou wilt, little ass, come here to me.” Then he asked, “Little ass, how does my daughter please thee?”