Section 212

The Goatherd and the Goat explained simply

Aesop's Fables by Aesop

Original excerpt

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A was one day gathering his flock to return to the fold, when one of his goats strayed and refused to join the rest. He tried for a long time to get her to return by calling and whistling to her, but the Goat took no notice of him at all; so at last he threw a stone a...

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Public-domain original

A was one day gathering his flock to return to the fold, when one of his goats strayed and refused to join the rest. He tried for a long time to get her to return by calling and whistling to her, but the Goat took no notice of him at all; so at last he threw a stone at her and broke one of her horns. In dismay, he begged her not to tell his master: but she replied, "You silly fellow, my horn would cry aloud even if I held my tongue." It's no use trying to hide what can't be hidden.

Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.

What happens here

A Goatherd was one day gathering his flock to return to the fold, when one of his goats strayed and refused to join the rest.

Why this scene matters

This fable matters because it turns the lesson “It's no use trying to hide what can't be hidden.” into a compact story about everyday judgment.

Characters in this scene

The Goatherd: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
The Goat: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.

Simple story version

A Goatherd was one day gathering his flock to return to the fold, when one of his goats strayed and refused to join the rest. He tried for a long time to get her to return by calling and whistling to her, but the Goat took no notice of him at all; so at last he threw a stone at her and broke one of her horns.