Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
199. A SHEPHERD AND HIS SHEEP (Perry
208)
In Old time, when Sheep fed like Hogs upon Acorns, a Shepherd drove his
Flock into a little Oak-Wood, spread his Coat under a Tree, and up he
went to shake ‘em down some Mast. The Sheep were so Keen upon the Acorns,
that they Gobbled up now and then a Piece of the Coat along with ‘em.
When the Shepherd took Notice of it, What a Company of ungrateful Wretches
are you, says he, that Cloath all other People that have no Relation to
you, and yet strip your Master, that gives ye both Food and Protection?
THE MORAL. The Belly has no Ears; and a Ravenous Appetite Guttles up
whatever is before it, without any regard to Things or Persons.
 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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