Aesop's Fables: Townsend (1867)
303. The Panther and the Shepherds (Perry
494)
A PANTHER, by some mischance, fell into a pit. The Shepherds discovered
him, and some threw sticks at him and pelted him with stones, while others,
moved with compassion towards one about to die even though no one should
hurt him, threw in some food to prolong his life. At night they returned
home, not dreaming of any danger, but supposing that on the morrow they
would find him dead. The Panther, however, when he had recruited his feeble
strength, freed himself with a sudden bound from the pit, and hastened
to his den with rapid steps. After a few days he came forth and slaughtered
the cattle, and, killing the Shepherds who had attacked him, raged with
angry fury. Then they who had spared his life, fearing for their safety,
surrendered to him their flocks and begged only for their lives. To them
the Panther made this reply: 'I remember alike those who sought my life
with stones, and those who gave me food aside, therefore, your fears.
I return as an enemy only to those who injured me.'
George Fyler Townsend's translation of the fables, first published in 1867, is
in the public domain and can be found at many websites, including Project
Gutenberg.
Illustrations come from: Aesop's Fables, by George Fyler Townsend, with
illustrations by Harrison Weir, 1867, at Google
Books. |