Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
150. A GARDINER AND HIS DOG (Perry
120)
A Gardiner's Dog dropt into a Well, and his Master let himself down to
help him out again. He reach'd forth his Hand to take hold of the Dog,
and the Cur snapt him by the Fingers: For he thought it was only to Duck
him deeper. The Master went his Way upon't, and e'en left him as he found
him. Nay (says he) I'm well enough serv'd, to take so much Pains for the
Saving of One that is resolv'd to make away Himself.
THE MORAL. Obligations and Benefits are Cast away upon Two Sorts of
People; Those that do not understand them, and Those that are not sensible
of them.
 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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