The Story of a Donkey abridged from the French of Madame la comtesse de Ségur

A gentle donkey named Neddy narrates his own life to a curious child, hoping to replace the common jokes about donkeys with a story of feeling and wit. From his first days on a farm he describes the heavy loads, the harsh commands, and the occasional spark of cleverness that gets him out of trouble. The tone is warm and slightly mischievous, inviting listeners to see the world through the ears and hooves of an animal often misunderstood.

Early in the tale Neddy finds himself at the weekly market, burdened with eggs, butter, and vegetables, while his owner’s wife whips him for being too slow. He tries to resist, wobbling under the weight, and even attempts a daring kick, only to learn that his strength is limited. These episodes set the stage for a journey of self‑discovery, where his quick mind and occasional mischief lead to both punishment and unexpected kindness.