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

I hate the sight of monkeys; they remind me so of poor relations.

When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.

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?

Life is no way to treat an animal.

Every creature in the world is like a book and a picture, to us, and a mirror.

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.

One of the animals which a generous and sociable man would soonest become is a dog. A dog can have a friend; he has affections and character; he can enjoy equally the field and the fireside; he dreams, he caresses, he propitiates; he offends and is pardoned; he stands by you in adversity; he is a good fellow.

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

Keep running after a dog, and he will never bite you.

How like to us is that filthy beast the ape.

We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words.

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