Aesop's Fables, translated by Laura Gibbs (2002)
33. THE SHEEP AND THE INJURED WOLF
Perry 160 (Chambry
231 *)
A wolf had been mauled by dogs and had cast himself down on the ground.
Because of his injuries, the wolf could not go in search of food, so when
he saw a sheep, he begged her to bring him something to drink from the
river that ran nearby. 'If you just give me something to drink,' said
the wolf, 'I will find myself something to eat.' The sheep replied, 'But
if I give you with something to drink, then you will make me your dinner
as well!'
The story can be used against a wicked man who hides his plots behind
a veil of pretense.
Note: L'Estrange appends this bit
of commentary: 'It is a Charitable and Christian Office to Relieve the
Poor and the Distressed; but this Duty does not Extend to Sturdy Beggars,
that while they are receiving Alms with one Hand, are ready to Beat
out a Man's Brains with the Other.'
Source:
Aesop's Fables. A new translation by Laura
Gibbs.
Oxford University Press (World's Classics): Oxford, 2002.
NOTE: New
cover, with new ISBN, published in 2008; contents of book unchanged.
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