Aesop

The Wolf and the Housedog

Summary

The story features a conversation between a wild Wolf and a domesticated Mastiff. The Wolf observes the Mastiff's well-fed appearance and inquires about his comfortable lifestyle, noticing the collar and wooden log the Mastiff drags around. The Mastiff explains that his master feeds him but requires him to carry the log. The Wolf then reflects critically, valuing freedom over comfort, suggesting that the burden of the chain outweighs the benefits of regular meals. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of security and comfort and encourages appreciation of freedom and independence.

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A Wolf, meeting a big well-fed Mastiff with a wooden collar about his neck asked him who it was that fed him so well and yet compelled him to drag that heavy log about wherever he went. “The master,” he replied. Then said the Wolf: “May no friend of mine ever be in such a plight; for the weight of this chain is enough to spoil the appetite.”

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