Section 128
The Old Hound explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Hound who had served his master well for years, and had run down many a quarry in his time, began to lose his strength and speed owing to age. One day, when out hunting, his master started a powerful wild boar and set the Hound at him. The latter seized the beast by the ear, but his...
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A Hound who had served his master well for years, and had run down
many a quarry in his time, began to lose his strength and speed owing
to age. One day, when out hunting, his master started a powerful wild
boar and set the Hound at him. The latter seized the beast by the ear,
but his teeth were gone and he could not retain his hold; so the
boar escaped. His master began to scold him severely, but the Hound
interrupted him with these words: "My will is as strong as ever,
master, but my body is old and feeble. You ought to honour me for what
I have been instead of abusing me for what I am."
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
An old hunting dog is blamed for weakness after years of service.
Why this scene matters
This fable teaches respect for past service when age reduces strength.
Characters in this scene
- Old Hound: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The hound can no longer hold prey as before. He reminds his master that the will remains even if the body is old.