A certain Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity he relied very much,
for whenever he had occasion to be absent himself, he committed the
care of his flock to the charge of this Dog; and to encourage him to do
his duty cheerfully, he fed him constantly with sweet milk and curds,
and sometimes threw him a bone extraordinary. Yet, notwithstanding
this, no sooner was his back turned, than the treacherous Cur fell upon
some one of the flock, and thus devoured the sheep instead of guarding
and defending them. The Shepherd having at length found out his tricks,
was resolved to hang him; and the Dog, when the rope was about his
neck, and he was just going to be tied up, began to expostulate with
his master, asking him why he was so unmercifully bent against him, who
was his own servant and creature, and had only committed a few crimes;
and why he did not rather take vengeance on the Wolf who was an open
and declared enemy? Nay, replied the Shepherd, it is for that very
reason that I think you ten times more worthy of death, for from him
I expected nothing but hostilities, and therefore could guard against
him; you I depended on as a just and faithful servant, and fed and
encouraged you accordingly, and therefore your treachery is the more
base, and your ungratitude the more unpardonable.