Q. Why does the ass mix his water with that of other asses and smell the dung?
R. When God had created all the beings, the ass said to the horse and mule, "Every creature has some time of rest, but we are destined to work on continuously without any rest. Let us pray to God to give us also some time of respite, and if our prayer be not heard let us decide no longer to procreate so that we may die out." So they prayed, but their prayer was not heard. But God said, "When your water becomes rivers to drive mills thereby, and when your dung has the smell of perfume, then you will obtain your respite." And this is the answer to the question (f. 25b).
