Imitate the ass in his love to his master.

Every ass thinks himself worthy to stand with the king’s horses.

Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.

Who hears the fishes when they cry?

Of all the creatures that breathe and creep on the surface of the earth, none is more to be pitied than man.

Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise.

Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all. 

Cows are among the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them—and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures.

A dog starved at his master’s gate / Predicts the ruin of the state.

Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals—except the weasel.

How like to us is that filthy beast the ape.

There are some who, if a cat accidentally comes into the room, though they neither see it nor are told of it, will presently be in a sweat and ready to die away.

Happiness is a warm puppy.