The Piglet, the Sheep, and the Goat

Summary

This story is about a Pig, a Sheep, and a Goat who are confined in the same fold-yard. When a shepherd tries to grab the Pig, it becomes agitated, cries out, and resists the shepherd's attempts, drawing the attention and complaints of the Sheep and the Goat. They don't understand why the Pig causes such a fuss, indicating that they endure similar handling without protest. The Pig explains to them that the shepherd's treatment of each animal is different; while the Sheep and Goat are handled for their milk and wool, the Pig is caught for its life, which is why it reacts anxiously. This narrative highlights themes of empathy and understanding, illustrating that judging another's reaction requires understanding their unique perspective and circumstances.

Read Online

A young Pig was shut up in a fold-yard with a Goat and a Sheep. On one occasion when the shepherd laid hold of him, he grunted and squeaked and resisted violently. The Sheep and the Goat complained of his distressing cries, saying, “He often handles us, and we do not cry out.” To this the Pig replied, “Your handling and mine are very different things. He catches you only for your wool, or your milk, but he lays hold on me for my very life.”