FABLE XXVIII
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
Once there was a Brave Old Dog. He loved to hunt. The Hunter was his human friend. The Brave Old Dog was a good hunter. He ran very fast. He helped the Hunter a lot. He was a loyal friend. He always tried his best. Now he is old. His legs are slow. His body is tired. But he still loves to hunt. He wants to help his friend.
One day they went hunting. They chased a big deer. The deer ran very fast. The Brave Old Dog ran too. He ran with all his might. The dog ran very hard. His old legs pushed on. He was first. He reached the deer. The deer was very tired.
The Brave Old Dog tried to catch it. He held the deer with his mouth. But his teeth were old. His teeth were not strong enough. He could not hold the deer. The deer got away. The deer quickly vanished. It ran very fast. The Brave Old Dog felt sad. He felt a deep shame.
The Hunter came to him. The Hunter looked very cross. He was very angry with the dog. His voice was loud. The Brave Old Dog felt scared. The dog trembled a little. The Hunter raised his hand. He wanted to scold the dog. The dog hung his head low.
The Brave Old Dog barked softly. He looked at the Hunter. "I am sorry," he barked. "My heart wants to help you. But my body is old. My legs are slow. My teeth are not strong." "Please remember," he barked again. "Remember when I was strong. I caught many deer. I brought you much food. Remember when I helped you a lot. I was a good hunter then."
The Hunter stopped. He looked at the Brave Old Dog. He remembered many hunts. He remembered the dog's bravery. He remembered all the help. He remembered their long years. The dog was truly special. He felt love for his friend. The Hunter put his hand down. He patted the Brave Old Dog's head. "You are a good dog," he said softly. "You were always a good friend." He hugged the old dog. "We must always remember," the Hunter thought. "Remember the good things others did. Even when they are old."
Original Story
FABLE XXVIII.
THE OLD HOUND.
An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and given his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, by the effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable.
However, being in the field one day when the Stag was almost run down, he happened to be the first that came in with him, and seized him by one of his haunches; but his decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer escaped and threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a great passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said to have barked out this apology. "Ah! do not strike your poor old servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed that fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don't forget what I have been."
MORAL.
Past services should never be forgotten.
Story DNA
Moral
Past services should never be forgotten.
Plot Summary
An old hunting hound, once excellent but now feeble, fails to hold a stag during a hunt due to his age. His master, enraged, prepares to strike him. The old hound then barks an apology, reminding his master that his heart and inclination are still strong, but his physical abilities have failed, urging him to remember his past services rather than focusing on his current weakness.
Themes
Emotional Arc
disappointment to understanding
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often reflect societal values regarding duty, respect, and the treatment of the elderly or those who have served.
Plot Beats (6)
- An old hound, once a great hunter, has become weak with age.
- During a hunt, the old hound is the first to reach a nearly downed stag.
- He seizes the stag by the haunch, but his old, broken teeth cannot hold, and the stag escapes.
- His master, in a rage, prepares to strike the hound.
- The old hound barks an apology, explaining that his heart is willing but his strength has failed.
- He pleads with his master to remember his past services, if his current state displeases him.
Characters
The Old Hound
A once powerful hunting dog, now noticeably aged. His frame is lean, perhaps a bit gaunt, with muscles that have lost their former tautness. His coat, likely a common hunting dog color like brown, black, or tan, is now duller and possibly flecked with grey around the muzzle and eyes. His movements are slower and less agile than in his prime.
Attire: None, as he is an animal.
Wants: To please his master and fulfill his role as a hunting dog, to prove his worth despite his age.
Flaw: Physical decline due to old age; his body can no longer keep up with his spirit.
He faces the harsh reality of his physical decline and the potential rejection from his master, leading him to make a poignant plea for recognition of his past service.
Loyal, dedicated, proud, earnest, persistent despite physical decline.
The Master
A man of sturdy build, likely accustomed to outdoor activities like hunting. His features are probably weathered from time spent in the field. He carries himself with an air of authority, though prone to quick temper.
Attire: Practical hunting attire of the era, likely sturdy wool or linen breeches, a simple tunic or coat, and robust leather boots. Colors would be earthy and functional for the outdoors.
Wants: To have successful hunts and satisfaction from his sport; to maintain control and order.
Flaw: Short temper, tendency to forget past services in the heat of the moment.
He begins in a fit of rage, ready to punish his old hound, but is then confronted with a plea that should make him reconsider his actions and remember past loyalty.
Passionate (about hunting), quick-tempered, demanding, initially ungrateful, but potentially capable of reflection.
The Stag
A large, powerful male deer, likely a Red Deer, with a majestic rack of antlers. Its coat would be a rich reddish-brown, sleek and muscular, though it is described as 'almost run down,' suggesting exhaustion.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To escape its pursuers and survive.
Flaw: Vulnerability to hunters.
It is hunted, nearly caught, but ultimately escapes due to the Hound's failing grip.
Survival-driven, wary, agile.
Locations
Hunting Field
A vast, open field, likely with some scattered trees or brush, where a stag hunt is in progress. The ground would be uneven from the chase.
Mood: Tense, energetic, then quickly turning to frustration and disappointment.
The old hound makes his last effort to seize the stag, but his strength fails him, leading to his master's anger.