【英】《伊索寓言》第26集：The Dog and the Wolf

A thin and hungry wolf once met a dog lying in the shade. The wolf stopped to rest and pass the time with the dog.

“Poor cousin,” the dog said, “you are so thin. If you worked steadily as I do, you would not find yourself short on food.”

“That sounds like a wonderful life,” the wolf said. “But I have no idea how to find such a job.”

“I am sure I can arrange a place for you,” the dog said. “Come with me. My master has several things that need guarding at night. I’m sure he would let you share my work.”

Since that sounded wonderful to the wolf, he followed the dog down the road toward his home. At one point, the wolf looked over at the dog and noticed the dog had no hair on his neck.

“Cousin,” the wolf said, “what has happened to the hair on your neck?”

“Oh, it’s worn away by the collar and chain I wear at night when I’m guarding the master’s home,” the dog said. “The collar rubs, but you soon get used to it.”

The wolf stopped in his tracks and turned around. “Thank you for the offer of the job, but I think I will pass. It’s better to be hungry and free than to be a plump slave!”