The Hunting Dog
A loyal hunting dog who was fast and brave in his youth years had won countless prey for his master. As years passed and he aged, one day in the forest the dog caught a giant wild boar by the ear. However, when his teeth decaying from old age could not hold the boar's ear and slipped, the prey escaped from his grasp. Getting angry behind the escaped prey, the hunter attempted to scold and beat his old dog.
The old dog said to his master "Sir, do not be angry with me; my spirit and intention were again to hold the prey, but my aging body and teeth lost their strength, remember me by my past services." When humans age and lose strength, the great services and loyalty they showed in the past should not be forgotten. The wearing down of the body and old age are a natural process; doing injustice to the elderly and showing disloyalty is shameful. Judging the loyalty and labor of the past by the helplessness of old age is a great disloyalty.
Past services should not be forgotten due to weakness in old age. Fidelity to promises applies in old age too. The body ages but loyalty remains. Respect for past labor is essential.
Scolding the elderly is disloyalty. Youthful strength is temporary. Faithful service is not forgotten.