صفحة 207 من 274

Once upon a time the Sheep complained to the shepherd about the

difference in his treatment of themselves and his Dog. "Your

conduct," said they, "is very strange and, we think, very unfair.

We provide you with wool and lambs and milk and you give us

nothing but grass, and even that we have to find for ourselves:

but you get nothing at all from the Dog, and yet you feed him

with tit-bits from your own table." Their remarks were overheard

by the Dog, who spoke up at once and said, "Yes, and quite right,

too: where would you be if it wasn't for me? Thieves would steal

you! Wolves would eat you! Indeed, if I didn't keep constant

watch over you, you would be too terrified even to graze!" The

Sheep were obliged to acknowledge that he spoke the truth, and

never again made a grievance of the regard in which he was held

by his master.

THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF