伊索寓言 15狼和家犬 The Wolf and the House Dog
A tired and hungry Wolf is looking for food in the forest.
Wolf: I’m so tired and hungry. I looked for food all day. But there is no food. I can’t even find a Rabbit.
Just then a little Rabbit hops by.
Wolf: Oh, look！It’s a Rabbit! I will catch it and eat it for lunch.
The Rabbit sees the Wolf, too.
Rabbit: It’s a Wolf! I better run away! Hey, but the Wolf looks really tired. Yeah, he looks old and weak. I bet I’m faster than him. I can easily run away from him.
Wolf: Stop there, little Rabbit! I’m going to catch you!
Rabbit: Go ahead and try! I bet you can’t catch me! I’m much faster than you.
Wolf: We’ll see about that!
The Wolf chases the Rabbit. But the Rabbit is much faster. The Wolf runs out of breath and the Rabbit hops away.
Wolf: Stop there, you little Rabbit! Jeez! I lost it. It got away. I am too old and weak now. I can’t even catch a little Rabbit. I will starve to death for sure. What shall I do? Boo-hoo-hoo.
A House dog comes by.
Dog: Hey, Wolf, what’s the matter? Are you crying?
Wolf: Of course not.
Dog: Then, why are your eyes all red?
Wolf: Well, uh…That’s because…Never mind. Anyway, what is a Dog doing in the forest?
Dog: Oh, yes, I was about to ask you. How can I find the village? I got lost last night.
Wolf: Just walk down this road.
Dog: Oh, thank you very much. I must be going now, good-bye.
The Dog walks down the road. The Wolf just watches the Dog and his mouth waters.
Wolf: That Dog looks fat and delicious. He would make a good lunch. But I can’t even catch a Rabbit. How can I catch a Dog! He looks very strong, too. He might hurt me. But why is he so fat?
The Wolf just sighs. Then, the Wolf gets curious and calls the Dog.
Wolf: Wait, Dog!
Dog: What is it?
Wolf: Well, I was wondering…
Dog: Hurry up! I must get home before dark.
Wolf: Well, I was curious. You seem so healthy and well-fed. Where do you live?
Dog: I live in a big house in the village. My master feeds me well.
Wolf: What does he feed you?
Dog: Well, let me think. He feeds me everything from meat to candy. I live a very comfortable life. But you look very sick and weak. Have you eaten something today?
Wolf: I haven’t eaten for three days. I can’t find food anywhere.
Dog: That’s too bad. If you come with me, you will be well-fed, too.
Wolf:Really?! But what must I do there?
Dog: It’s very simple. Just do what I do.
Wolf: What is that?
Dog: First, chase away thieves. Second, bark at beggars. Third, wag your tail in front of the master.
Wolf: Is that all?
Dog: Yes. If you do a good job, you’ll be loved just like me. The master will hug you and give you delicious treats
Wolf: I can’t believe it! It is too easy. I can do that.
Dog: Good. Then follow me. I will take you to my master.
The Wolf and the Dog walk together to the village. The Wolf is so excited. But then the Wolf sees a strange mark on the Dog’s neck.
Wolf: Hey, what is that mark on your neck?
Dog: It’s nothing.
Wolf: But the fur is worn there and the skin is red.
Dog: It’s nothing really. It’s just my chain mark.
Wolf: what do you mean? You are chained?
Dog: Well, yes, but only during the day.
Wolf: You can’t go wherever you want?
Dog: It’s not too bad. Instead I don't worry about food.
The Wolf turns back.
Dog: Hey Wolf, where are you going?
Wolf: Good-bye, Dog. I would rather be hungry than be chained.
MORAL
Nothing is more valuable than FREEDOM.
