THE GOATHERD AND THE WILD GOATS

One cold stormy day a Goatherd drove his Goats for shelter into a

cave, where a number of Wild Goats had also found their way. The

Shepherd wanted to make the Wild Goats part of his flock; so he

fed them well. But to his own flock, he gave only just enough

food to keep them alive. When the weather cleared, and the

Shepherd led the Goats out to feed, the Wild Goats scampered off

to the hills.

"Is that the thanks I get for feeding you and treating you so

well?" complained the Shepherd.

"Do not expect us to join your flock," replied one of the Wild

Goats. "We know how you would treat us later on, if some

strangers should come as we did."

_It is unwise to treat old friends badly for the sake of new

ones._

[Illustration]

The Aesop for Children With pictures by Milo Winter · 第 94 / 156 题