The Dog Who Asked His Master for a Bone
Once upon a time, in a wooden hut at the edge of an old forest where cool waters flowed, there lived an old hunter and his loyal dog. This fearless dog guarded the hut day and night, and at a single sign from his master he would dash into the deep woods. On a cold evening when the autumn winds scattered the yellow leaves, the hunter had laid a lavish table for himself in his hut. While the cheerful crackling of the hearth warmed the room, the exquisite smell of the roasted meats spread in waves into every corner of the hut. The dog, who had grown exceedingly hungry, could not take his enchanted eyes off the big and meaty bone on the table for a single moment. He quietly drew near to his master's knee and began to look into his eyes with a sorrowful gaze.
Bending his front legs a little and resting them on his master's knee, he made lovely sounds full of gratitude. The wise hunter, while eating the tasty morsels on his plate with great appetite, watched his dog's graceful manners with a smile. The loyal friend kept wagging his tail with a rhythmic joy in order to draw his master's attention. He murmured as if to say, "My master, all day long I kept watch at your door with loyalty and I braved the freezing wind without any complaint." The old hunter could no longer remain indifferent to this insistent and respectful request of his veteran friend. After eating the tastiest part of the meat on his plate, he lifted into the air the big bone on which exquisite pieces of meat still remained.
"Your service of so many years and your unshakable devotion will surely not go unrewarded," he said, looking at his dog with love. With the tender smile on his face, the hunter kindly laid that bountiful bone before the dog. The loyal animal, before this lofty gift of his master, barked with joy and bowed to the ground with respect. He snatched the bone, withdrew to his warm corner beside the hearth and began to chew it with great relish. While his master's warm hand stroked his head, he felt the peace of receiving the reward of the loyalty and good manners he had shown. After that happy night, the loyal dog counted serving his master with respect the greatest virtue. The old servant who offers his labour and his loyalty with a sweet tongue is never deprived of the generous gift that is his due. A sweet tongue draws even the snake out of its hole.