Aesop

The Goat and the Goatherd

Summary

The story follows a Goatherd who attempts to bring a stray goat back to the flock using whistles and horn sounds, but the goat ignores these efforts. Frustrated, the Goatherd throws a stone, accidentally breaking the goat's horn. Realizing the damage, the Goatherd pleads with the goat to keep it a secret from his master. The goat, however, points out that the broken horn itself will reveal the truth, even if the goat remains silent. This tale highlights themes of accountability and the idea that some truths are evident and cannot be concealed, serving as a moral lesson on honesty and being responsible for one's actions.

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A Goatherd had sought to bring back a stray goat to his flock. He whistled and sounded his horn in vain; the straggler paid no attention to the summons. At last the Goatherd threw a stone, and breaking its horn, begged the Goat not to tell his master. The Goat replied, “Why, you silly fellow, the horn will speak though I be silent.”

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