The Ass and the Priests of Cybele

The Galli, Priests of Cybele, were in the habit, on their begging excursions, of leading about an Ass, to carry their burdens. When he was dead with fatigue and blows, his hide being stripped off, they made themselves tambourines therewith. Afterwards, on being asked by some one what they had done with their favourite, they answered in these words; "He fancied that after death be would rest in quiet; but see, dead as he is, fresh blows are heaped upon him."