Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
117. A SMITH AND HIS DOG (Perry 415)
A Blacksmith took notice of a Cur he had, that would be perpetually sleeping,
so long as his Master was at his Hammer; but whenever he went to Dinner,
the Dog would be sure to make one. So he ask’d the Dog the Reason on’t.
What’s the Meaning of it, says he, that so long as I’m at the Forge, you
are still taking your Nap; but so soon as my Chops begin to walk, yours
must be walking too for Company? There’s a time to sleep (says the Dog)
and a time to wake; and every thing is well done that is done in due season.
THE MORAL. All Creatures do naturally look to the main Chance; that
is to say, the Business of Food and Propagation.
 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.
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