A Wolf, lurking near the Shepherd's hut, saw the Shepherd and his family feasting on a roasted lamb. In the still evening air the Wolf's piping carried far. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day. Oh, just a trifle!, But please tell me. The old Frog soon missed the little one and asked his brothers and sisters what had become of him. Is this your axe? Mercury asked the Woodman. The Oak stood proudly and fought against the storm, while the yielding Reeds bowed low. How foolish I should be, he said, to throw you back. They must be on their way to sell the poor thing's hide, said another. At last he managed to scramble out, and as he stood sadly thinking about the good bone he had lost, he realized what a stupid Dog he had been.
Everything is fair in love.