← The Fables of Phædrus / Literally translated into English prose with notes
Chapter 58
Fable X. The Huntsman and the Dog
A Dog, who had always given satisfaction to his master by his boldness against swift and savage beasts, began to grow feeble under increasing years. On one occasion, being urged to the combat with a bristling Boar, he seized him by the ear; but, through the rottenness of his teeth, let go his prey. Vexed at this, the Huntsman upbraided the Dog. Old BarkerV.14 replied: “It is not my courage that disappoints you, but my strength. You commend me for what I have been; and you blame me that I am not what I was.”
You, Philetus,V.15 may easily perceive why I have written this.