Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
155. A SHEPHERD AND A WOLF'S WHELP (Perry
267)
A Shepherd took a Sucking Whelp of a Wolf, and Train'd it up with his
Dogs. This Whelp fed with 'em, grew up with 'em, and whensoever they went
out upon the Chace of a Wolf, the Whelp would be sure to make One. It
fell out sometimes that the Wolf 'scap'd, and the Dogs were forc'd to
go Home again: But this Domestick Wolf would be still Hunting on, 'till
he came up to his Brethren, where he took part of the Prey with them;
and so back again to his Master. It happen'd now and then, that the Wolves
abroad were pretty quiet for a Fit, so that this Whelp of a Wolf was fain
to make Bold ever and anon with a Sheep in Private by the Bye; but in
the Conclusion, the Shepherd came to find out the Roguery, and Hang'd
him up for his Pains.
THE MORAL. False Men are no more to be Reclaim'd than Wolves, and the
Leven of the Predecessors Soures the Blood, in the very Veins of the Whole
Family.
 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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