Section 97
The Blacksmith and His Dog explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Blacksmith had a little Dog, which used to sleep when his master was at work, but was very wide awake indeed when it was time for meals. One day his master pretended to be disgusted at this, and when he had thrown him a bone as usual, he said, "What on earth is the good of a...
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Public-domain original
A Blacksmith had a little Dog, which used to sleep when his master was
at work, but was very wide awake indeed when it was time for meals.
One day his master pretended to be disgusted at this, and when he had
thrown him a bone as usual, he said, "What on earth is the good of a
lazy cur like you? When I am hammering away at my anvil, you just curl
up and go to sleep: but no sooner do I stop for a mouthful of food
than you wake up and wag your tail to be fed."
Those who will not work deserve to starve.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A dog sleeps while his master works but wakes when food appears.
Why this scene matters
This fable criticizes those who avoid work but appear quickly for reward.
Characters in this scene
- Blacksmith: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- His Dog: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The blacksmith’s dog ignores hammering and labor. When mealtime comes, he wakes immediately.