The Goatherd And The Wild Goats

by Aesop

　　One cold stormy day a Goatherd drove his Goats for shelter into acave, where a number of Wild Goats had also found their way. TheShepherd wanted to make the Wild Goats part of his flock; so hefed them well. But to his own flock, he gave only just enoughfood to keep them alive. When the weather cleared, and theShepherd led the Goats out to feed, the Wild Goats scampered offto the hills.

　　"Is that the thanks I get for feeding you and treating you sowell?" complained the Shepherd.

　　"Do not expect us to join your flock," replied one of the WildGoats. "We know how you would treat us later on, if somestrangers should come as we did."

　　It is unwise to treat old friends badly for the sake of newones.