A Goatherd had sought to bring back a stray goat to his flock. He whistled and sounded his horn in vain; the straggler paid no attention to the summons.

At last the Goatherd threw a stone, and breaking its horn, begged the Goat not to tell his master.

The Goat replied, “Why, you silly fellow, the horn will speak even though I be silent.”

Moral: Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hid.

Related Fables

• The Goatherd and the Wild Goats
• The Boy and the Filberts
• Piglet, the Sheep, and the Goat
• The Boasting Traveler
• Horse and the Groom