Aesop Fables

The Donkey and the Lapdog

Aesop Fables

Fidy Says

The Donkey and the Lapdog

A man had an Donkey, and a Maltese Lapdog, a very great beauty. The Donkey was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat, just as any other Donkey would. The Lapdog knew many tricks and was a great favorite with his master, who often played games with him and seldom went out to dine without bringing him home something special to eat.

The Donkey had much work to do in grinding the corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdens from the farm. He often lamented his own hard fate and contrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the Lapdog. One day the Donkey broke his cords and halter, and galloped into his master’s house, kicking up his heels and frisking and fawning as well as he could.

The Donkey next tried to jump about his master as he had seen the Lapdog do, but he broke the table and smashed all the dishes upon it to tiny bits. He then attempted to lick his master, and jumped upon his back.

The servants, hearing the strange commotion and perceiving the danger of their master, attacked the Donkey and drove him out to his stable with kicks and clubs and cuffs.

The Donkey, as he returned to his stall beaten nearly to death, lamented: “I have brought it all on myself! Why could I not have been contented to labor with my companions, and not wish to be idle all the day like that useless little Lapdog!”

Moral: Be content with what your own talents.

posted in Dog, Donkey | 44 Suggested Morals

The Dog and its Reflection

It happened that a Dog had gotten a piece of meat and was carrying it home in his mouth to eat it in peace. Now on his way home he had to cross a plank lying across a running brook.

As he crossed the brook, he looked down and saw his reflection in the water beneath. Thinking it was another dog with another piece of meat, he made up his mind to have that also.

He made a snap at the reflection in the water, but as he opened his mouth the piece of meat fell out, dropped into the water and was never seen again.

Moral: Beware lest you lose the real thing by grasping at it’s reflection.

posted in Dog | 40 Suggested Morals

The Traveler and His Dog

A Traveler was about to set out on a journey, when he saw his Dog standing at the door stretching himself.

The Traveler asked the Dog sharply: “Why do you stand there gaping? Everything is ready but you, so come on, hurry up.”

The Dog, wagging his tail, replied: “O, master! I am quite ready; I am just waiting for you.”

Moral: The person who procrastinates often blames delay on his more active friend.

posted in Dog, People | 2 Suggested Morals

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