A wolf was nothing but skin and bones,
So thin that he barely survived the woods.
One day, he met a dog, powerful and well-fed,
Fat, sleek, and polished, who had wandered off by chance.
The wolf would have gladly attacked him,
Torn him apart, made a feast of him,
But the dog was strong and could defend himself.
So the wolf approached humbly
And began to speak, praising the dog’s fine figure.
“You look well-fed,” said the wolf.
“You could be as fat as I am,” replied the dog.
“Leave the woods and follow me;
Your life in the forest is miserable,
Poor, starving, and always in danger.
Here, you will be cared for:
Bones and scraps will be yours,
And you will have comfort and safety
Unlike the harsh life you now endure.”
The wolf, imagining such a life, was tempted.
“But what must I do?” he asked.
“Almost nothing,” said the dog:
“Help chase away strangers, obey your master,
And in return, you will be fed and cared for.”
As they walked, the wolf noticed the dog’s collar,
Bald from wear.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“Nothing,” replied the dog.
“Nothing?” “Just a trifle.”
“But it seems painful.”
“Yes, it’s the collar that keeps me tied to my master.”
“Bound? So you cannot go where you please?” asked the wolf.
“Not always,” said the dog, “but it doesn’t matter.”
“It matters greatly!” said the wolf. “I would rather starve
Than live my life in bondage, even with plenty to eat.”
And with that, the wolf ran off, back into the freedom of the forest.