Fable: The dog and the wolf

by Steve Williams, Wed, 10/09/2008 - 23:24

The dog and the wolf

Retold by Steve Williams
[For ideas on how to use these proverbs see our key document on proverbs and fables.]

A wolf, almost dead with hunger, met a house-dog in the road. 'Ah, Cousin,' said the Dog. 'Your wild life will be the ruin of you. Why don't you work steadily for a master like I do. You'll be given food in return for your labour?'

'I would but I can't find any work,' said the Wolf.

'No problem,' said the dog. 'Let me sort it out. Work for MY master and you'll get some food. Follow me.'

The wolf followed the dog along the road that led to the master's house in town. As they walked, the wolf noticed that the hair around the dog's neck was worn away. 'How did you loose your neck-hair cousin?' asked the wolf.

'Oh, that's nothing,' said the dog. 'That's the spot where master puts the collar on at night to keep me and chained up with the others. It chafes a bit, but we all get used to it.'

The dog turned to the wolf but the wolf was running in the other direction.

  • 'Better starve free than be a fat slave.'
  • 'He that won't make sacrifices, deserves to starve.'
  • 'Freedom comes at a cost'
  • 'If slaves said "No!" there would be no masters and no chains'