Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CVI

by Roger L'Estrange

Fab. CVI.

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 Friends 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 Currs 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 Light-Headed, I could not find the Right Way out of the House again.

The Moral.

Love Me, Love my Dog, says the old Proverb, and there's somewhat of Good Manners, as well as of Good Nature in’t; for there are certain Desencies of Respect due to the Servant for the Masler's sake.

REFLEXION.

It looks well among Friends, when Masters and Servants are all of a piece. The Dog invites his Guest, and the Cook throws him out of the Window, and in so doing, the Man shew’d himself the Arranter Curr of the Two; for it was against Hospitality and Good Manners so to do. There is a Duty of Tenderness and Good Nature, even toward Those Animals: But when it came to the Worst at last, the Dog had the Wit, we sec, to make the Best of a Bad Game. Though 'twas an unmannerly, and an Ill-Natur'd Frolick of the Cook all this while; for the Ill Usage of a Servant is some sort of Affront to his Master.