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Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)

107. A DOG INVITED TO SUPPER (Perry 328)

A Gentleman invited a Friend to supper with him, and the Gentleman’s Dog was so well bred as to invite the Friend’s Dog to come for Company. The Dog came at his Hour, and into the Kitchen he went, to see what good Cheer was toward: But as he was there, wagging his Tail, and licking his Lips, at the thought of what a Meal he was to make on’t, the roguy Cook got slily behind him, and spoil’d the Jest. He took him up by the tail at unawares, and after a Turn or two in the Air, flung him out of the Window. So soon as ever the poor Devil had recover’d the squelch, away he scampers, bawling like mad, with I know not how many prick-ear’d Curs at the Heels of him, to know how he lik'd his Welcome. Why truly, says he, they have given me as much drink as my Skin will hold; and it has made me so light headed, I could not find the right Way out of the House again.
THE MORAL. Love me, love my Dog, says the old Proverb; and there’s somewhat of good Manners, as well as good Nature in’t: For there are certain Decencies of Respect due to the servant for the Master’s sake.


L'Estrange originally published his version of the fables in 1692. There is a very nice illustrated edition in the Children's Classics series by Knopf: Sir Roger L'Estrange. Aesop - Fables which is available at amazon.com.