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Page:Ivan Krylov - The Russian Fabulist Krilof and His Fables.pdf/102

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The Horse and the Dog.

A dog and a Horse, which' served the same peasant, began to discuss each other's merits, one day.

"How grand we are, to be sure!" says Barbos. "I shouldn't be sorry if they were to turn you out of the farmyard. A noble service, indeed, to plough or to draw a cart! And I've never heard of any other proof of your merit. How can you possibly compare yourself with me? I rest neither by day nor by night. In the daytime I watch the cattle in the meadows; by night I guard the house."

"Quite true," replied the Horse. "What you say is per­ fectly correct. Only remember that, if it weren't for my ploughing, you wouldn't have anything at all to guard here."