A _Sheep-Biter_ Hang’d.
A Certain _Shepherd_ had One _Favourite-Dog_, that he had a Particular
Confidence in above all the rest. He fed him with his Own hand, and took
more Care of him, in short, then of any of his Fellows. This Kindness
went on a Long Time, till in Conclusion, upon the Missing of some Sheep,
he fancy’d This Cur to be False to him: After This Jealousy, he kept a
Strict Eye upon him, and in fine, found it out, that This Trusty Servant
of his was the Felon. Upon the Discovery, he had him presently taken up,
and bad him prepare for Execution. Alas! Master, says the _Dog_, I am One
of your Family, and ’twould be hard to put a Domestique to Extremities:
Turn your Displeasure upon the _Wolves_ rather, that make a Daily
Practice on’t to Worry your Sheep. No, no, says the Shepherd, I’d sooner
Spare _Forty Wolves_ that make it their _Profession_ to Kill Sheep, then
One _Sheep-biting Cur_ that’s _Trusted_ with the _Care_ of them. There’s
somewhat of Frankness and Generosity in the One; but the Other is the
Basest of Treacheries.
The MORAL.
_No Perfidy like Breach of Faith and Trust, under the Seal of Friendship:
For an Adversary under that Masque, is much more Unpardonable then a
Bare-fac’d Enemy._