THE WOLF AND THE HOUSE DOG.
A poor lean wolf, that was but skin and bone, fell in with a plump house dog, and said, “How comes it, my friend, that you look so fat and sleek, while I, who am in the woods night and day in search of food, do but starve at the best?” “Well,” said the dog, “you may be as well off as I am, if you will do the same for it. I have but to guard the house from thieves; so come home with me, and see how you like the life.” “With all my heart!” cries the wolf.
As they went down the road side by side, the wolf saw a mark on the dog’s neck, and would know what it was. So they had a talk.
Dog.—Well, it may be a slight mark from the chain.
Wolf.—Chain! Do you mean to say that you may not roam when and where you please?
Dog.—Why, not quite. For, you see, they do look on me as the least in the world fierce, so they tie me up by day, but I am let loose at night. And all in the house pet me, and feed me with scraps from their own plates, and—Come on. What ails you?
Wolf.—Oh, good night to you. I wish you joy of your fine life; but, for my part, though I may not be fat, I will at least be free.
No one loves chains, though they be made of gold.
The Wolf and the House Dog.—Page 31.
Æsop.