A Wolf and Lion (Lyon) were traveling together. The Wolf heard sheep and went to get supper. The sheep were guarded so the Wolf lied to the Lion about them.
Indifference hides promises unkept.
JBR Collection
A Wolf and a Lion were abroad on an adventure together. “Hark! sir,” said the Wolf, “don’t you hear the bleating of Sheep? My life for yours but I’ll go and bring you something worth while.” Off he ran towards the place whence the bleating came, till he arrived near enough to sec the Shepherds and Dogs all alert and on their guard. Back he came sneaking to the Lion again. “Well?” said the Lion, with a contemptuous glance. “Why,” answered the Wolf, “they are Sheep yonder, it is true, but they are lank as Hounds. We may as well wait till they have some more flesh on their bones.”
L’Estrange version
As a wolfe and a Lyon were abroad upon adventure together, Heark, (says the wolfe) don’t you hear the bleating of sheep? My life for yours sir, I’le go fetch ye a purchase. Away he goes, and follows his eare, till he came just under the sheepfold: but it was so well fortify’d, and the dogs asleep so near it, that back he comes sneaking to the Lyon again, and tells him, There are sheep yonder (says he) ’tis true, but they are as lean as carrion, and we had e’en as good let ’em alone ’till they have more flesh on their backs.
Moral
‘Tis matter of skill and address, when a man cannot honestly compass what he would be at, to appear easy and indifferent upon all repulses and disappointments.
