Book I, 97: On Balams Asse

The Asse, that for her slownesse, was orbid
To be imployed in Gods service, did
Perorme good service now, in being slow:
The Asse received stripes, but would not goe:
She baukd the way, and Balam could not guid her:
The Asse had farre more wisedome then the Rider:
The Message being bad, the Asse was loth
To be the Bearer: 'Twas a happy sloth;
'Twas well for Balam: Had his Asse but tryde
Another step, Balam had surely dy'd:
Poore Asse! And was thy faithfull service payd
With oft-repeated strokes? Hadst thou obayd,
Thy Lord had bought thy travell, with his blood:
Such is Mans payment, often, bad for Good:
The Asse begins to question with his Master,
Argues the case, pleads why he went no faster:
Nay, shewes him Myst'ries, far beyond his reach
Sure, Godwants Prophets, when dull Asses preach:
The Asse perceives the Angel, and fals downe;
When Balam sees him not; or ees, unknowne:
Nor is't a wonder: for Gods Spirit did passe
From blindfold Balam, into Balams Asse.