Jackass & the Holey Bucket:
Linked Fables
I have desired to go
Where springs not fail
— Gerard Manley Hopkins, “Heaven-Haven”*
At one time a young Jackass prayed to our Virgin Mother that he might become wise and gain respect from the other farm animals.
The Virgin appeared to him in a dream. “Dear Jackass, I hear your prayer and in response grant you a task by which you may prove your devotion. Complete this labor, and you will find wisdom.”
Jackass was so thrilled, he brayed in his sleep. “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Bestow upon me the work and I will dedicate my effort to it for what remains of my life. In this manner, I will please you, regardless if I succeed or not.”
The Virgin instructed him. “Find a secret spring, hidden in the hills, where my white doves drink. Their blessings make the spring flow with Holy Water. My roses grow round about. You are to carry Holy Water from this spring and fill the vessels in the church sacristy. But you may transport the water only in a bucket of holes.”
Jackass awoke, trembling with excitement. He went looking for the most wretched and sorry bucket he could find and carried it by the handle, between his teeth. For days he searched the hills until he found a spring surrounded by wild roses and frequented by white doves.
Jackass dipped his bucket into the spring. He began walking toward town. Of course, the water leaked out of so many places that he never advanced more than a half-fathom from the spring without having to turn around, go back, and try again.
The farm animals soon learned of his efforts. They gathered to ridicule him.
Jackass remained single-mindedly faithful to his task for the Virgin. He ignored their insults and found peace in his own heart.
