bid me runne away, for I scoured not only on foot, but tumbled over the
stones and rocks with my body till I came into the open fields, to the
intent I would escape from the terrible Beare, but especially from the
boy that was worse than the Beare. Then a certaine stranger that passed
by the way (espying me alone as a stray Asse) tooke me up and roade upon
my backe, beating me with a staffe (which he bare in his hand) through a
wide and unknowne lane, whereat I was nothing displeased, but willingly
went forward to avoid the cruell paine of gelding, which the shepherds
had ordained for me, but as for the stripes I was nothing moved, since
I was accustomed to be beaten so every day. But evill fortune would not
suffer me to continue in so good estate long: For the shepheards looking
about for a Cow that they had lost (after they had sought in divers
places) fortuned to come upon us unwares, who when they espied and knew
me, they would have taken me by the halter, but he that rode upon my
backe resisted them saying, O Lord masters, what intend you to do? Will
you rob me? Then said the shepheards, What? thinkest thou we handle thee
otherwise then thou deservest, which hast stollen away our Asse? Why
dost thou not rather tell us where thou hast hidden the boy whom thou
hast slaine? And therewithall they pulled him downe to the ground,
beating him with their fists, and spurning him with their feete. Then he
answered unto them saying, titathat he saw no manner of boy, but onely
found the Asse loose and straying abroad, which he tooke up to the
intent to have some reward for the finding of him and to restore him
againe to his Master. And I would to God (quoth he) that this Asse
(which verely was never seene) could speake as a man to give witnesse of
mine innocency: Then would you be ashamed of the injury which you have
done to me. Thus (reasoning for Himselfe) he nothing prevailed, for they
tied the halter about my necke, and (maugre his face) pulled me quite
away, and lead me backe againe through the woods of the hill to the
place where the boy accustomed to resort. And after they could find him