Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
27. AN OLD DOG AND A MASTER (Perry
532)
An old Dog, that in his Youth had led his Master many a merry Chase,
and done him all the Offices of a trusty Servant, came at last, upon falling
from his Speed and Vigor to be loaden at every turn with Blows and Reproaches
for it. Why Sir, says the Dog, my Will is as good as ever it was, but
my Strength and my Teeth are gone; and you might with as good a Grace,
and every Jot as much Justice, hang me up because I’m old, as beat me
because I’m impotent.
THE MORAL OF THE TWO FABLES ABOVE. The Reward of Affection and Fidelity
must be the Work of another World: Not but that the Conscience of well-doing
is a Comfort that may pass for a Recompence even in this; in despite of
Ingratitude and Injustice.
 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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