THE STREET MUSICIANS A man once possessed a donkey which had served him faithfully for many years , but at last the poor beast grew old and feeble , and every day his work became more of a burden . As he was no longer of any use , his master made up his mind to shoot him ; but when the donkey learnt the fate that was in store for him , he determined not to die , but to run away to the nearest town and there to become a street musician . When he had trotted along for some distance he came upon a greyhound lying on the road , and panting for dear life . ` Well , brother , ' said the donkey , ` what 's the matter with you ? You look rather tired . ' ` So I am , ' replied the dog , ` but because I am getting old and am growing weaker every day , and can not go out hunting any longer , my master wanted to poison me ; and , as life is still sweet , I have taken leave of him . But how I am to earn my own livelihood I have n't a notion . ' ` Well , ' said the donkey , ' I am on my way to the nearest big town , where I mean to become a street musician . Why do n't you take up music as a profession and come along with me ? I 'll play the flute and you can play the kettle-drum . ' The greyhound was quite pleased at the idea , and the two set off together . When they had gone a short distance they met a cat with a face as long as three rainy days . ` Now , what has happened to upset your happiness , friend puss ? ' inquired the donkey . ` It 's impossible to look cheerful when one feels depressed , ' answered the cat . ' I am well up in years now , and have lost most of my teeth ; consequently I prefer sitting in front of the fire to catching mice , and so my old mistress wanted to drown me . I have no wish to die yet , so I ran away from her ; but good advice is expensive , and I do n't know where I am to go to , or what I am to do . ' ` Come to the nearest big town with us , ' said the donkey , ` and try your fortune as a street musician . I know what sweet music you make at night , so you are sure to be a success . ' The cat was delighted with the donkey 's proposal , and they all continued their journey together .
In a short time they came to the courtyard XXXXX an inn , where they found a cock crowing lustily .
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