Social Commentaries

I.16 The Sheep, the Stag, and the Wolf

by Phaedrus c. 15 BC - c. AD 50

Translated by Christopher Smart (1887 printing) · From Fables, Book I

Social Commentaries

When one rogue would another get
For surety in a case of debt,
'Tis not the thing t' accept the terms,
But dread th' event--the tale affirms.
A Stag approach'd the Sheep, to treat
For one good bushel of her wheat.
"The honest Wolf will give his bond."
At which, beginning to despond,
"The Wolf (cries she) 's a vagrant bite.
And you are quickly out of sight;
Where shall I find or him or you
Upon the day the debt is due?"

MLA

Phaedrus. “I.16 The Sheep, the Stag, and the Wolf.” Translated by Christopher Smart. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/phaedrus/16/.

Chicago

Phaedrus. “I.16 The Sheep, the Stag, and the Wolf.” Translated by Christopher Smart. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/phaedrus/16/.

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