老猎狗

Belinda

A HOUND, who in the days of his youth and strength had never

yielded to any beast of the forest, encountered in his old age a

boar in the chase. He seized him boldly by the ear, but could

not retain his hold because of the decay of his teeth, so that

the boar escaped. His master, quickly coming up, was very much

disappointed, and fiercely abused the dog. The Hound looked up

and said, "It was not my fault. master: my spirit was as good as

ever, but I could not help my infirmities. I rather deserve to

be praised for what I have been, than to be blamed for what I

am."