The Dog Which Carried Round His Neck His Master's Dinner book cover

The Dog Which Carried Round His Neck His Master's Dinner

"The Dog Which Carried Round His Neck His Master's Dinner" is a fable by Jean de La Fontaine. It tells the story of a dog who carried his master's meal around his neck, only to face the irresistible temptation of hunger on the way. The dog's struggle with instinct and duty serves as an exploration of human behavior, integrity and moral choices. Through this tale, La Fontaine imparts wisdom about the vulnerability of honesty in the face of temptation.


Year:
1668
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Submitted by davidb on September 28, 2023


								
Few eyes are against beauty proof; Few hands from gold can keep aloof; Few people guard a treasure well, Or of strict faithfulness can tell. A certain Dog, true, brave, and stout, Carried his master's dinner out. This self-denial pressed him hard, When he had dainty food to guard: Yet long he kept it safe and sound. Well, we are tempted oft, 'tis found, By good things near us! Strange, we learn From dogs, and yet we hopeless turn From men when temperance is in view! One day this Dog, so staunch and true, A mastiff met, who wished to seize The dinner. Not so, if you please. The Dog put down the food, to fight A mighty combat. Left and right Came other dogs,--mere thieves and foes, Who cared not for the hardest blows. Our Dog, who dreaded every stranger, And saw the food was much in danger, Wanted his share. "Come, gentlemen, This rabbit does for me; now, then, You take the rest!" so he leaped on it, And then the others fell upon it. He snapped the best, and then they flew And shared the plunder,--the whole crew. So, sometimes, when they yield a town, And soldiers burghers trample down, Sheriffs and provosts are the worst To rob and pillage, being first: Pleasant to see them pistoles seize, Filling their purses at their ease! And if, by chance, to one more cool Some scruples come, they call him fool: Then he repents him of the blunder, And is the first to lead the plunder.
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Jean de La Fontaine

Jean de La Fontaine was a renowned French fabulist and one of the most famous poets during the French classical period. He was born on July 8, 1621, and died on April 13, 1695. Known for his literary style, he is best known for his "Fables", which are considered classics of French literature. His works were marked by his sophisticated style and moral substance, and his fables provided a scathing critique of French society during his time. more…

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