A Shepherd, counting his Sheep one day, discovered that a number
of them were missing.
Much irritated, he very loudly and boastfully declared that he
would catch the thief and punish him as he deserved. The Shepherd
suspected a Wolf of the deed and so set out toward a rocky region
among the hills, where there were caves infested by Wolves. But
before starting out he made a vow to Jupiter that if he would
help him find the thief he would offer a fat Calf as a sacrifice.
[Illustration]
The Shepherd searched a long time without finding any Wolves, but
just as he was passing near a large cave on the mountain side, a
huge Lion stalked out, carrying a Sheep. In great terror the
Shepherd fell on his knees.
"Alas, O Jupiter, man does not know what he asks! To find the
thief I offered to sacrifice a fat Calf. Now I promise you a
full-grown Bull, if you but make the thief go away!"
_We are often not so eager for what we seek, after we have found
it._
_Do not foolishly ask for things that would bring ruin if they
were granted._
[Illustration]