A BRAZIER had a little Dog, which was a great favorite with his
master, and his constant companion. While he hammered away at
his metals the Dog slept; but when, on the other hand, he went to
dinner and began to eat, the Dog woke up and wagged his tail, as
if he would ask for a share of his meal. His master one day,
pretending to be angry and shaking his stick at him, said, "You
wretched little sluggard1! what shall I do to you? While I am
hammering on the anvil2, you sleep on the mat; and when I begin to
eat after my toil3, you wake up and wag your tail for food. Do
you not know that labor4 is the source of every blessing5, and that
none but those who work are entitled to eat?'
