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?"