a flock of sheep was feeding in the meadow while the dogs were asleep, and the shepherd at a distance playing on his pipe beneath the shade of a spreading elm.

a young, inexperienced lamb, observing a half-starved wolf peering through the pales of the fence, began to talk with him.

"pray, what are you seeking for here?" said the lamb.

"i am looking," replied the wolf, "for some tender grass; for nothing, you know, is more pleasant than to feed in a fresh pasture, and to slake one's thirst at a crystal stream, both which i perceive you enjoy within these pales in their utmost perfection. happy creature," continued he, "how much i envy you who have everything which i desire, for philosophy has long taught me to be satisfied with a little!"

"it seems, then," returned the lamb, "those who say you feed on flesh accuse you falsely, since a little grass will easily content you. if this be true, let us for the future live like brethren, and feed together." so saying, the simple lamb crept through the fence, and at once became a prey to the pretended philosopher, and a sacrifice to his own inexperience and credulity.