Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
120. A DOG AND A WOLF (Perry 134)
A Wolf took a Dog napping at his Master's Door, and when he was just
about to worry him, the poor Creature begg'd hard only for a Reprieve.
Alas (says he) I'm as lean at present as Carrion; but we have a Wedding
at our House within these two or three Days, that will plump me up you
shall see with good Chear. Pray have but patience till then, and when
I'm in a little better Case, I'll throw my self in the very Mouth of ye.
The Wolf took his word, and so let him go; but passing some few Days after
by the same House again, he spy'd the Dog in the Hall, and bad him remember
his Promise. Hark ye, my Friend, says the Dog, whenever you catch me asleep
again on the wrong Side of the Door, never trouble your Head to wait for
a Wedding.
THE MORAL. Experience works upon many Brutes more than upon some Men.
They are not to be gull'd twice with the same Trick; and at the worst,
a bad shift is better than none.
 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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