The Sheep And The Pig

by Aesop

　　One day a shepherd discovered a fat Pig in the meadow where hisSheep were pastured. He very quickly captured the porker, whichsquealed at the top of its voice the moment the Shepherd laid hishands on it. You would have thought, to hear the loud squealing,that the Pig was being cruelly hurt. But in spite of its squealsand struggles to escape, the Shepherd tucked his prize under hisarm and started off to the butcher's in the market place.

　　The Sheep in the pasture were much astonished and amused at thePig's behavior, and followed the Shepherd and his charge to thepasture gate.

　　"What makes you squeal like that?" asked one of the Sheep. "TheShepherd often catches and carries off one of us. But we shouldfeel very much ashamed to make such a terrible fuss about it likeyou do."

　　"That is all very well," replied the Pig, with a squeal and afrantic kick. "When he catches you he is only after your wool.But he wants my bacon! gree-ee-ee!"

　　It is easy to be brave when there is no danger.