A BRAZIER had a little Dog, which was a great favourite with his
master, and his constant companion. While he hammered away at his
metals the Dog slept; but when, on the other hand, he went to dinner
and began to eat, the Dog woke up and wagged his tail, as if he would
ask for a share of his meal. His master one day, pretending to be angry
and shaking his stick at him, said, “You wretched little sluggard! what
shall I do to you? While I am hammering on the anvil, you sleep on the
mat; and when I begin to eat after my toil, you wake up and wag your
tail for food. Do you not know that labor is the source of every
blessing, and that none but those who work are entitled to eat?”