FABLE LVI
by John Gay · from Fables of John Gay (Somewhat Altered)
Adapted Version
This is a kind man. His name is Mr. Gable. He has a dog. The dog's name is Yap. Yap was a small dog. He had a loud bark. Mr. Gable loved his dog very much. Yap had good food and a soft bed.
But Yap was a grumpy dog. He did not like people at his house. The mailman came to the house. Yap barked a loud bark. "Woof, woof! Go away!" The mailman felt scared. He dropped the letters and ran away. A baker came with fresh bread. Yap growled at the baker. "Grrrr! This is my house!" The baker left sadly. A friend came to the door. Yap showed his teeth. "I do not like you," he growled. The friend felt very sad. Soon, no one came to visit. The house was always quiet. Mr. Gable was all alone and missed his friends.
One morning, Yap sat by the window. He saw a fluffy tail. It was a squirrel! The squirrel ran across the grass. Yap ran out the door to chase it. The squirrel ran up a tall tree. Yap barked and barked. Then the squirrel jumped to a new tree. Yap chased the squirrel past the garden gate. He ran down the long street. He ran far, far away. The house was at last quiet.
Mr. Gable sat in his big, quiet house. He felt all alone. He wished a friend would come. Just then, a friend came to visit! It was his good friend Mat. Mr. Gable felt so happy. He opened the door wide. "Hello, Mat!" said Mr. Gable. "Please, come inside." They sat at the kitchen table. Mr. Gable looked sad. "Why do my friends not visit?" he asked. Mat looked sad, too. "We want to visit," he said. "But your dog Yap is too grumpy. He barks at all the people. We are scared to come here."
Mr. Gable knew. His dog scared his friends. Yap came home at night. He was tired from his long chase. Mr. Gable sat with Yap. He had a talk with his dog. "You cannot be grumpy here," he said gently. He sent Yap to a big farm. The farm had green fields. Other happy dogs lived there. Yap could run all day long. He could bark at the big cows. The cows did not get scared. Now, his friends came to his house often. They brought cookies and cake. The house was full of happy laughter. All of them were happy.
Original Story
FABLE LVI.
Squire and Cur.
(To a Country Gentleman.)
Man, with integrity of heart,
Disdains to play a double part:
He bears a moral coat of mail,
When envy snarls and slanders rail.
From virtue's shield the shafts resound,
And his light shines in freedom round.
If in his country's cause he rise,
Unbribed, unawed, he will advise;
Will fear no ministerial frown,
Neither will clamour put him down.
But if you play the politician
With soul averse to the position,
Your lips and teeth must be controlled.
What minister his place could hold
Were falsehood banished from the court,
Or truth to princes gain resort?
The minister would lose his place,
If he could not his foes disgrace.
For none is born a politician
Who cannot lie by intuition:
By which the safety of the throne
Is kept—subservient to his own.
For monarchs must be kept deluded
By falsehood from the lips exuded,
And, ministerial schemes pursuing,
Care nothing for the public ruin.
Antiochus, lost in a chase,
Traversed the wood with mended pace,
And reached a cottage, sore distressed.
A Parthian fed the regal guest,
But knew not whom: the countryman,
Warmed by unwonted wine, began
To talk of courts and talk of kings:
"We country folk, we see such things.
They say the king is good and wise:
Ah! we could open both his eyes.
They say, God bless him! he means good.
Ah! we could open them—we could;—
And show him how his courtiers ride us:
They rob us, and they then deride us.
If King Antiochus could see,
Or if he knew as much as we,
How servants wound a master's name,—
From kings to cobblers 'tis the same,—
If King Antiochus, I say,
Could see, he'd kick those scamps away."
Both in good time their couches sought;
The peasant slept, the monarch thought.
At earliest dawn the courtiers found
And owned the king by trumpet sound.
Unto his rustic host the guest,
With due reward, his thanks expressed;
And turning to his courtier train:
"Since you are bent on private gain,
You may your private gain pursue;
Henceforth I will be quit of you."
A country squire, by whim directed,
The nobler stocks canine neglected;
Nor hound nor pointer by him bred.
Yap was his cur, and Yap was fed;
And Yap brought all his blood relations
To fill the posts and eat the rations;
And to that end it came about
That all the others were turned out.
Now Yap, as curs are wont to do—
If great men's curs—on tradesmen flew,
Unless they bribed him: with a bound
He worried all the tenants round.
For why? he lived in constant fear
Lest they, in hate, should interfere.
So Master Yap would snarl and bite,
Then clap his tail, and fly with fright;
As he, with bay and bristling hair,
Assailed each tradesman who came there.
He deemed, if truth should get admittance,
'Twould followed be by his demittance.
It chanced that Yap, upon a day,
Was by a kins-cur lured to play;
And, as Miss Yaps there were, they thought
Unto Miss Yaps to pay their court,
And had a little hunting bouting,
Like Antony, who so went outing
With Cleopatra.—So pursuing,
Yap and Mark Antony found ruin.
A neighbour passing by, then ventured—
And, seeing the coast clear, he entered.
The squire enjoyed a quiet chat,
And said: "Now tell me, neighbour Mat,
Why do men shun my hall? Of late,
No neighbour enters in my gate;
I do not choose thence to infer——"
"Squire, 'tis nothing but the cur,"
Mat answered him; "with cursed spite,
The brute does nought but bark and bite.
There is some cause, we all agree:
He swears 'tis us—we say 'tis he.
Get rid of him, the snarling brute,
And these old halls shall not be mute;
There nothing is we more desire,
Than lose the cur and win the squire."
The truth prevailed, and with disgrace
The cur was cudgelled out of place.
Story DNA
Moral
Those in power who allow themselves to be surrounded by corrupt advisors and sycophants will suffer, and truth, though often suppressed, will eventually prevail.
Plot Summary
The fable argues that honest individuals are rare in politics, where ministers often lie to maintain power and delude monarchs. This is illustrated by King Antiochus, who, while lost, overhears a countryman unknowingly expose his courtiers' corruption, leading him to dismiss them. A parallel story features a squire whose favored cur, Yap, terrorizes tenants and drives away visitors. A neighbor finally reveals Yap's destructive influence, prompting the squire to banish the cur, demonstrating that truth, once revealed, can lead to the removal of corrupting forces.
Themes
Emotional Arc
ignorance to awareness | deception to truth | frustration to resolution
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
John Gay's fables were often thinly veiled critiques of contemporary British politics and society, using animal allegories to comment on human behavior and corruption in government and court.
Plot Beats (13)
- The fable opens with a philosophical reflection on the integrity of an honest man versus the deceitful nature of politicians.
- It asserts that ministers must lie to maintain their positions and keep monarchs deluded for their own gain.
- King Antiochus gets lost during a hunt and seeks refuge in a country cottage.
- A Parthian countryman, unaware of the king's identity, shares his candid opinions on how the king's courtiers exploit the common folk.
- The countryman expresses a wish that the king could see the truth of his courtiers' actions.
- The king spends the night contemplating the countryman's words.
- The next morning, the king's courtiers find him, revealing his identity.
- Antiochus rewards the countryman and then dismisses his entire court for their self-serving ways.
- The fable shifts to a parallel story about a country squire who favors a cur named Yap over nobler dogs.
- Yap abuses his position, bringing in his relatives and terrorizing the squire's tenants and tradesmen, fearing that truth would lead to his dismissal.
- One day, Yap is lured away by other curs, leaving the squire's hall unguarded.
- A neighbor, Mat, seizes the opportunity to visit the squire and explains that Yap's aggressive behavior is why no one comes to the hall.
- The squire accepts the truth, and Yap is beaten and driven away from his place.
Characters
Antiochus ★ protagonist
A man of regal bearing, likely of average height and build, showing signs of fatigue from a long chase. His features would be consistent with a king from the ancient Near East, possibly with a well-maintained beard or clean-shaven, and a dignified posture even when distressed.
Attire: Initially, likely practical hunting attire, possibly of fine but durable fabric, suitable for a chase, though it would be somewhat disheveled from his journey. Upon being recognized, he would be associated with the rich, flowing robes and regalia of a Near Eastern king, though these are not explicitly worn in the cottage scene.
Wants: To understand the truth about his kingdom and the well-being of his people, and to rule justly.
Flaw: Initially, being easily deluded by his courtiers and unaware of the true state of his kingdom.
Transforms from a deluded monarch to an enlightened and just ruler who dismisses his corrupt courtiers.
Wise (though initially deluded), thoughtful, just, decisive, observant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A mature man with a noble, thoughtful expression, dark hair and a short, well-maintained beard. He wears a simple, travel-worn tunic of muted earth tones, possibly with some embroidery, and sturdy leather sandals. His posture is attentive, slightly leaning forward as if listening. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Parthian Countryman ◆ supporting
A sturdy, weathered man, likely of medium height and build, with features consistent with a Parthian peasant from ancient times. His hands would be calloused from manual labor.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing of the ancient Parthian era: a coarse linen tunic, possibly a wool cloak for warmth, and simple leather sandals or bare feet. The colors would be natural, undyed earth tones.
Wants: To live his life simply, and to express the truth about the corruption he observes, even if unknowingly to a king.
Flaw: His outspokenness, particularly when influenced by wine, could be seen as a vulnerability in a more dangerous context.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a catalyst for the king's transformation.
Hospitable, outspoken (especially when emboldened by wine), honest, observant of local affairs, critical of corruption.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, middle-aged man with a sun-weathered face, dark, short hair, and a simple beard. He wears a coarse, undyed linen tunic and a simple wool cloak draped over his shoulders. His hands are calloused. He stands with a grounded posture, one hand gesturing as if speaking passionately. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Squire ★ protagonist
A country gentleman, likely of a comfortable build, accustomed to a life of leisure but also managing his estate. His features would be typical of an English gentleman of the 18th century.
Attire: Typical 18th-century country gentleman's attire: a plain but well-made coat (perhaps of wool or broadcloth) over a waistcoat, breeches, and stockings. Colors would be subdued, like browns, greens, or grays, rather than courtly finery.
Wants: To maintain a pleasant and welcoming home, to understand why his neighbors avoid him.
Flaw: His naivete and lack of direct oversight, allowing his 'cur' to cause trouble.
Transforms from an unaware host to an enlightened one who addresses the source of his community's discontent.
Whimsical, somewhat naive, hospitable, initially unaware of problems, open to advice.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged English gentleman with a pleasant, slightly confused expression. He has powdered hair tied back with a black ribbon. He wears a dark green wool coat over a cream waistcoat, brown breeches, and white stockings. His posture is relaxed but attentive. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Yap ⚔ antagonist
A common cur, not a noble breed. He would be of mixed breed, likely medium-sized, with scruffy or wiry fur, possibly a mix of brown, black, and white. His build would be lean and agile, suitable for harassing others.
Attire: None, as he is a dog.
Wants: To maintain his privileged position and the flow of 'rations' for himself and his kin, driven by fear of losing his place.
Flaw: His inherent fear and insecurity, which drives his aggression and ultimately leads to his downfall.
His reign of terror ends abruptly when he is 'cudgelled out of place' due to the truth being revealed.
Aggressive, fearful, territorial, corruptible (accepts bribes), sycophantic towards his master, tyrannical towards others.
Image Prompt & Upload
A medium-sized, scruffy mixed-breed dog with wiry brown and black fur. Its ears are pricked, and its muzzle is wrinkled in a snarl, revealing sharp teeth. Its eyes are narrow and suspicious. Its tail is tucked between its legs, indicating fear, even as it snarls. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Neighbour Mat ◆ supporting
A practical, honest country neighbor, likely of a sturdy build, with features typical of an English countryman of the 18th century. His hands would show signs of work.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing suitable for an 18th-century English countryman: a plain linen shirt, sturdy breeches, and possibly a simple jacket or waistcoat of wool. Colors would be muted and functional.
Wants: To help his neighbor the Squire by revealing the truth about Yap, and to restore peace and community to the area.
Flaw: None apparent; he acts as a voice of reason.
Serves as a catalyst for the Squire's realization, remaining consistent in his honesty.
Honest, direct, observant, courageous (in speaking the truth), practical.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged English countryman with an honest, direct expression. He has short, dark hair and a clean-shaven face. He wears a plain, open-collared linen shirt, a simple brown waistcoat, and sturdy dark breeches. His posture is upright and confident, hands at his sides. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
A Parthian Cottage
A simple, rustic dwelling in a wooded area, likely constructed from local timber and thatch, with a warm, inviting interior where a fire might burn. The atmosphere is humble but hospitable.
Mood: Humble, revealing, intimate, safe
King Antiochus, disguised, overhears the countryman's honest complaints about corrupt courtiers, leading to his enlightenment.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, dimly lit interior of a simple Parthian cottage. Rough-hewn wooden beams support a low, thatched ceiling. A small, contained fire glows warmly in a stone hearth, casting flickering light on the packed earth floor and a few humble woven mats. A wooden table holds a clay jug and cups. The air is thick with the scent of woodsmoke and simple cooking. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The King's Court / Palace Grounds
The exterior grounds of a grand royal residence, likely an Achaemenid or Seleucid-era Persian palace, characterized by formal gardens, courtyards, and the sounds of royal fanfare. The architecture would feature carved stone, perhaps with colonnades and intricate reliefs.
Mood: Regal, formal, awakening, expectant
King Antiochus is discovered by his courtiers and, having gained new insight, dismisses those focused on 'private gain'.
Image Prompt & Upload
The grand, sun-drenched courtyard of an Achaemenid Persian palace at dawn. Tall, fluted stone columns with bull capitals rise majestically, supporting an intricately carved stone entablature. The ground is paved with polished stone, leading to a central, geometric garden with low-lying shrubs and a shallow reflecting pool. The sky is a clear, pale blue, with the first golden rays of sunlight illuminating the eastern facade. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Squire's Hall and Grounds
A country estate, likely a large English manor house or hall, with extensive grounds including a gate and areas where tenants and tradesmen would approach. The atmosphere is initially unwelcoming due to the aggressive dog, but later becomes more inviting.
Mood: Initially hostile and isolated, later open and welcoming
The squire's cur, Yap, terrorizes visitors, isolating the squire. Later, a neighbor reveals the truth, leading to Yap's expulsion and the hall becoming welcoming again.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sprawling English country estate, featuring a large, weathered stone manor house with multiple gables and tall chimneys, surrounded by extensive, well-maintained lawns. A wide gravel path leads from an ornate wrought-iron gate towards the main entrance. Mature oak trees dot the landscape, casting long shadows in the late afternoon sun. The air feels crisp and clear, with distant sounds of rural life. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
