The Dog and The Cook

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The Dog and The Cook

Some respect is due the servant for the sake of the master.

Townsend version

A rich man gave a great feast, to which he invited many friends and acquaintances. His Dog availed himself of the occasion to invite a stranger Dog, a friend of his, saying, "My master gives a feast, and there is always much food remaining; come and sup with me tonight." The Dog thus invited went at the hour appointed, and seeing the preparations for so grand an entertainment, said in the joy of his heart, "How glad I am that I came! I do not often get such a chance as this. I will take care and eat enough to last me both today and tomorrow." While he was congratulating himself and wagging his tail to convey his pleasure to his friend, the Cook saw him moving about among his dishes and, seizing him by his fore and hind paws, bundled him without ceremony out of the window. He fell with force upon the ground and limped away, howling dreadfully. His yelling soon attracted other street dogs, who came up to him and inquired how he had enjoyed his supper. He replied, "Why, to tell you the truth, I drank so much wine that I remember nothing. I do not know how I got out of the house."

L'Estrange version (A Dog Invited to Supper)

A gentleman invited a friend to supper with him, and the gentleman's dog was so well bred as to invite the friend's dog to come for company. The dog came at his hour, and into the kitchin he went, to see what good cheer was toward: but as he was there, wagging his tayle, and licking his lips, at the thought of what a meale he was like to make on't, the roguy cook got slyly behind him, and spoil'd the jest. He took him up by the tayle at unawares, and after a turn or two in the air, flung him out of the window. So soon as ever the poor devil had recover'd the squelch, away he scampers, bawling like mad, with I know not how many prick-ear'd eurrs at the heels of him, to know how he lik'd his wellcome. Why truly, says he, they have given me as much drink, as my skin will hold; and it has made me so lightheaded, I could not find the right way out of the house again.

Moral

Love me, love my dog, says the old proverb, and there's somewhat of good manners, as wed as of good nature in't; for there are certain decencies of respect due to the servant for the master's sake.

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