Page:Fables of Aesop.pdf/3



A Wolf and a Lamb came to quench their thirst at a stream. The Wolf asked the Lamb what he meant by disturbing the water? and demanded satisfaction. The Lamb said that could not be, since the water ran down from the Wolf to him. 'Be that as it will,' said the Wolf, 'you spoke ill of me, behind my back, about a year ago." The Lamb replied that at that time he was not born. Unable to face truth, the Wolf said in a passion, 'Sirrah, if it was not you it was your father, and that's all one.' So seizing the Lamb he devoured it.

An ill disposed man seldom fails to find a cause of dispute.



An old hound who had been an excellent good one in his time, had at last by reason of years, become feeble and unserviceable. However, being in the field one day, he happened to be the first that came up with the game, but his decayed teeth prevented him from keeping his hold of it, and it escaped. His master, being in a passion, was going to strike him. 'Ah do not strike your old servant,' said the dog, 'It is not my heart or inclination but my strength that fails me. If what I am now displeases you, pray don't forget what I have been.'

It is a sad thing to be treated unkindly by the man you have served.