FABLES. 



33 



THE SHEEP-BITER. 



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 J)og; and to 

 encourage him to do his duty cheerfully, he fed him 

 constantly with sweet milk and curds, and some- 

 times threw him a bone extraordinary. Yet, not- 

 withstanding 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 



VOL. IV. F 



