Even a wolf, savage as that animal is, may, if caught young, and treated
kindly, become tame.
A story is told of a wolf which showed a considerable amount of
affection for its master. He had brought it up from a puppy, and it
became as tame as the best-trained dog, obeying him in everything.
Having frequently to leave home, and not being able to take the wolf
with him, he sent it to a menagerie, where he knew it would be carefully
looked after. At first the wolf was very unhappy, and evidently pined
for its absent master. At length, resigning itself to its fate, it made
friends with its keepers; and recovered its spirits.
Fully eighteen months had passed by, when its old master, returning
home, paid a visit to the menagerie. Immediately he spoke, the wolf
recognised his voice, and made strenuous efforts to get free. On being
set at liberty, it sprang forward, and leaped up and caressed him like a
dog. Its master, however, left it with its keepers, and three years
passed away before he paid another visit to the menagerie.
Notwithstanding this lapse of time, the wolf again recognised him, and
exhibited the same marks of affection.
On its master again going away, the wolf became gloomy and desponding,
and refused its food, so that fears were entertained for its life. It
recovered its health, however, and though it suffered its keepers to
approach, exhibited the savage disposition of its tribe towards all
strangers.
The history of this wolf shows you that the fiercest tempers may be
calmed by gentleness.