Aesop Fables: The Wolf and the House Dog; Wolf in Sheep's Clothing; The Mother and the Wolf

The Wolf and the House Dog

There was once a Wolf that had very little to eat since the village Dogs were so alert and cautious. He was truly nothing more than skin and bones, and the thought depressed him.

This Wolf chance to meet a fine plump House Dog who had strayed a little too far from home one night. The Wolf would have devoured him immediately, but the House Dog proved to be powerful enough to leave his prints if he attempted.  So the Wolf addressed the Dog modestly, praising him on his good looks.

The Dog replied, "You can be as healthy-fed as I am if you wish so". Leave the woods; you're uncomfortable there." Why, every meal requires a lot of effort. Follow my lead, and you'll get along just fine."

"What must I do?" the Wolf inquired.

"Hardly anything," the House Dog replied. "Chase people who carry canes, bark at beggars, and fawn on house-people." In exchange, you will receive various nibbles, chicken bones, choice slices of meat, candies, cake, and so on."

The Wolf almost wept as he got such a magnificent glimpse of his impending happiness. But then he saw that the hair on the back of his neck was falling out.

"What exactly is that on your neck?"

"Nothing at all," the Dog responded.

"What! nothing!"

"Oh, it's just a trifle!"

"But please do tell me."

"Probably you are able to observe the stain of the collar to which my chain is attached."

"What! The Wolf exclaimed, "A chain!" "Don't you just go wherever you please?"

"Not all of the time!" "But what's the difference?" the Dog said.

"It makes all the difference in the world!" I couldn't care less about your feasts, and I wouldn't take all the tender baby lambs in the world for that price." And the Wolf dashed towards the woods.

Moral

Nothing is more valuable than liberty.

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Once upon a time, in the peaceful countryside, a wolf devised a devious plan. He had been eyeing the sheep on a nearby farm, but the shepherd and his loyal dogs always kept a watchful eye. Determined to satisfy his hunger, wolf stumbled upon a pile of discarded sheepskin.

Wolf's mind raced with possibilities. He carefully wrapped himself in the sheepskin, transforming into a convincing disguise. Stepping into the flock with the other sheep, he felt excitement surge through him.

As the wolf mingled with the flock, a young sheep approached Wolf. "Hey there, new friend! What brings you to our flock?"

"Oh, just looking for some company," Wolf replied, his voice masked in a sheep-like tone. "I've been feeling lonely lately, you know?"

When the shepherd and the dog were far enough, the wolf took this opportunity and ate the sheep.

This was working perfectly. For several days, Wolf successfully fooled the shepherd and his dogs. He gleefully devoured sheep after sheep, basking in his deceptive glory.

One evening, as the sun began to set, the shepherd decided it was time for a hearty mutton broth. His eyes scanned the flock, and he spotted Wolf, still blended seamlessly among the sheep.

"Perfect," the shepherd muttered, not suspecting a thing. He swiftly grabbed Wolf, mistaking him for a mere sheep, and unknowingly sealed his furry fate.

As the shepherd prepared the broth, he unwittingly set in motion the wolf's own demise. The wolf who had deceived the shepherd had, in turn, been deceived. Wolf's hunger had led him astray, and his treachery had sealed his own fate.

Moral: 

The evil doer often comes to harm through his own deceit.

The Mother and the Wolf

A hungry Wolf was prowling around a cottage on the outskirts of a village one early morning when he overheard a child crying inside. After that, he overheard the Mother saying,

"I'll give you to the wolf if you don't stop crying, so please be quiet."

The Wolf settled down under an open window, surprised but excited at the prospect of such a delectable meal, and anticipated receiving the child at every turn. The Wolf waited all day, despite the youngster's continued anxiety. Then, as dusk fell, he once more heard the mother's voice as she sat by the window to sing and rock her child to sleep.

"There, little one, there! The Wolf won't get you. No, no! When he approaches, Daddy will murder him since he is watching.

The Wolf barely managed to save himself from the Dogs by a cunning bit of running at the precise moment that the Father came within sight of the house.

Moral

Never trust what you hear.