Does this sound familiar to anyone...the part about "being free", and being better than anything.
Title: The Wolf And The Dog
Author: Jean de La Fontaine
A Wold was down to skin and bone
(The watch-dogs did their work so well).
He met a Mastiff, a tremendous swell,
Sleek, plump, and portly, straying all alone.
Here was a chance, to rend him limb from limb!
But no, he looked a nasty customer;
So with a smirk the Wolf makes up to him,
And compliments him on his corporation.
The Bandog said: 'It lies with you, fair Sir,
To be as fat as I am. Quit those woods,
Where you poor devils pig it in starvation -
Just fancy, no fixed meals, no fire, no bed,
A constant fight for daily bread!
Come on, I'll help you find a situation
Where you can have your share of this world's goods.
'Pray," asked the Wolf, 'what might the duties be?'
'Oh, just to chivy beggars,' answered he,
'And folk with crutches, suit the master's moods,
Make yourself pleasant to the family:
The wages - leavings of the choicest foods,
Chicken bones, pigeon bones, no lack,
And lots of scratching on the back.'
At such a prospect for his future years
The Wolf's eyes filled with wistful tears.
But as they went, he spied his friend's bald scruff.
'What's that?' he questioned him. ''Tis naught.'
'How, naught?' 'Well, nothing much.' 'But what?'
'The colar of my chain, 'tis like enough,
Has caused the trifling mark you see.'
'Your chain?' exclaimed the Wolf, 'then you're not free
To come and go?' 'Not always - but no matter."
'Indeed? It wouldn't do for me,'
Replied the starveling. 'You may be the fatter,
But I prefer my own sweet will
To all the riches of your platter.'
Therewith he ran: I guess he's running still.
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