Fable XLII The Two Dogs
Our own moderation will not secure us from disturbance, if we connect ourselves with men of turbulent and litigious dispositions.
Hasty and inconsiderate connections are generally attended with great disadvantages: and much of every man’s good or ill fortune depends upon the choice he makes of his friends.
A good-natured Spaniel overtook a surly Mastiff, as he was travelling upon the high road. Tray, although an entire stranger to Tyger, very civilly accosted him: And if it would be no interruption, he said, he should be glad to bear him company on his way. Tyger, who happened not to be altogether in so growling a mood as usual, accepted the proposal; and they very amicably pursued their journey together. In the midst of their conversation they arrived at the next village, where Tyger began to display his malignant disposition, by an unprovoked attack upon every dog he met. The villagers immediately sallied forth with great indignation to rescue their respective favourites; and falling upon our two friends without distinction or mercy, poor Tray was most cruelly treated, for no other reason but his being found in bad company.