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.

What delight can there be, and not rather displeasure, in hearing the barking and howling of dogs? Or what greater pleasure is there to be felt when a dog followeth a hare than when a dog followeth a dog?

Imitate the ass in his love to his master.

A good dog, sir, deserves a good bone.

Animals are good to think with.

Life is no way to treat an animal.

The fox knows lots of tricks, the hedgehog only one—but it’s a winner.

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

Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.

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

Animals have these advantages over man: they never hear the clock strike, they die without any idea of death, they have no theologians to instruct them, their last moments are not disturbed by unwelcome and unpleasant ceremonies, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills.

It is remarkable that only small birds properly sing.

Who sleepeth with dogs shall rise with fleas.