Character Index | Proverb Index
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| Character Index | Proverb Index |
Townsend version
A kid, returning without protection from the pasture, was pursued by a Wolf. Seeing he could not escape, he turned round, and said: "I know, friend Wolf, that I must be your prey, but before I die I would ask of you one favor you will play me a tune to which I may dance." The Wolf complied, and while he was piping and the Kid was dancing, some hounds hearing the sound ran up and began chasing the Wolf. Turning to the Kid, he said, "It is just what I deserve; for I, who am only a butcher, should not have turned piper to please you."
L'Estrange version
A wolfe spy'd out a straggling kid, and pursu'd him. The kid found that the wolfe was too nimble for him, and so turn'd and told him: I perceive I am to be eaten, and I would gladly die as pleasantly as I could: wherefore, pray give me but one touch of your pipe before I go to pot. The wolfe play'd, and the kid danc'd, and the noise of the pipe brought in the dogs upon him. Well (says the wolfe) this 'tis when people will be meddling out of their profession. My bus'ness was to play the butcher, not the piper.
Moral
When a crafty knave is infatuated, any silly wretch may put tricks upon him.
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Tom Simondi, All Rights Reserved