Balaam's Ass

As ancient Hebrew story tellers knew

The future better than the past, we lack

Proof that when Balaam rode his donkey's back

And, since it halted, beat it black and blue

The poor beast turned on him and brayed: "Hey, you,

Why did you launch that unprovoked attack?

If you could see that angel there you'd thwack

This ass, or arse, more gently than you do."

If you believe this, welcome an incursion

Of awe to learn that donkeys can be pat in

High class Italian (English in this version).

Accept the premise and it follows that in

Pointing you out the donkeys that know Latin

(Aspeeeerges meeeeee) I cast no foul aspersion.