An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.

Related:

• The ass is still an ass, e'en though he wears a lion's hide.
  William...
• If three people say you are an ass, put on a bridle.
  Spanish...
• It's always better to be a smart ass,
  than a dumb ass...
• The anvil fears no blows. --
  Romanian...
• The anvil fears no blows.
  Romanian...
• A friend in need is a pain in
  the ass...
• Ass, n.:
  The masculine of "lass"...
• Sodomy is a pain in
  the ass...