A rich old farmer, who felt that he had not many more days to live, called his sons to his bedside. Very well, said his master, go your way, you willful beast, and see where it leads you. If it were not for those Dogs who are always stirring up trouble, I am sure we should get along beautifully. Wolf!, As he expected, the Villagers who heard the cry dropped their work and ran in great excitement to the pasture. Why, I am only a Bird! They soon made him feel so ridiculous that he dropped the basket and seized a large piece of roast meat intended for his master's dinner. The Farmer, of course, knew the Cranes and their ways. Immediately they all fell upon him, the Wolf in the lead, and soon had made an end to him, sacrificing him to the gods then and there, and without the formality of an altar.
It is unwise to treat old friends badly for the sake of new ones.