Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
186. A WOLF AND A SHEEP (Perry 160)
A Wolf that lay Licking of his Wounds, and extreamly Faint and Ill upon
the Biting of a Dog, call’d out to a Sheep that was passing by. Hark ye
Friend (says he) if thou wouldst but help me to a Soup of Water out of
the same Brook there, I could make a Shift to get my self somewhat to
Eat. Yes, said the Sheep, I make no Doubt on’t; but when I bring ye Drink,
my Carcase shall serve ye for Meat to’t.
THE MORAL. It is a Charitable and Christian Office to relieve the Poor
and the Distressed; but this Duty does not Extend to Sturdy Beggars, that
while they are receiving Alms with One Hand, are ready to Beat out a Man’s
Brains with the Other.
 L'Estrange originally published his version of the fables in 1692. There is a
very nice illustrated edition in the Children's Classics series by Knopf: Sir
Roger L'Estrange. Aesop
- Fables which is available at amazon.com.
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