this was a ridiculous exercise of futility , of course , since even had he wanted towhich he did nothe couldnt speak , could hardly move , could not even meaningfully nod his head ; it was too tightly forced against the pungent hide of the ass who seemed to resent being pressed into this revolting dutyit was sunday after all , and his rightful place this day of rest was in the fields , or in the stables , helping himself to a day-long lazy meal of grass or hay .