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2 4 8 I n t e r p r e t a t i o n Volume 41 / Issue 3that along with the sound of braying there need be no lyre.10 Nor do I seek from this price, prize, or merit;and furthermore I do not care if I am bitten bya detractor, either open or covered;I know well how deaf is Gratitudeto the requests of everyone, and I know well how much15 an ass remembers of her benefits.Bites or blows I do not esteemas much as I used to, having becomeof the nature of him that I sing.If I should even now, by my effort be held20 longer than I am accustomed, so I am commandedby the ass under which I have lived.Long ago, well all of Siena wanted to make one drinkfrom the Branda fountain; and they put a drop of water inhis mouth with great effort.25 But if the heavens do not overflow with new disdainagainst me, a bray will be heard,everywhere, may they get what they deserve.But before I begin to recountthe various accidents of my ass,30 be not sorry to hear a story.There was, and not yet entirely extinguishedis his family, a certain young manamong the ancient people right here in Florence.This man had a growing defect:35 that everywhere he would run in the streets,and in all weather without a care.And so much the father suffered morefrom this case, as the causesof his illness were less known;40 and he wanted to hear many opinionsfrom many wise men, and over time administereda thousand remedies for a thousand reasons.In addition to this he also made vows for him, perhaps;but each one of the remedies was in vain,45 so that always and everywhere he ran.Recently, a certain charlatan,of which every day you see many,