The Shepherd and His Dog
A dog his master so deceiv’d,
He was the best of curs believ’d.
The flock was trusted to his care,
Whene’er the shepherd was not there.
And in the house, a favored guest,
He always fed upon the best.
The treacherous guard his charge betray’d
And on the sheep in secret prey’d.
The master, when the crime was prov’d,
With double indignation mov’d,
About his neck the halter tied
Himself: the dog for mercy cried;
“You let the wolf escape,” he said,
“Who much more slaughter oft has made.”
“Wretch!” says the man, “the wolf declares
Hostility, and boldly dares;
He has no confidence abused:
But, coward, thou my trust hast used:
Against myself! and on this tree
Without delay shalt hanged be.”