A wolf was almost dead with hunger. A house-dog saw him, and asked, "Friend, your irregular life will soon ruin you. Why don't you work steadily as I do, and get your food regularly?"

"I would have no objection," said the wolf, "if I could only get a place." "I will help you," said the dog. "Come with me to my master, and you shall share my work." So the wolf and the dog went to the town together.

On the way the wolf saw that there was no hair around the dog's neck.He felt quite surprised, and asked him why it was like that?

"Oh, it is nothing," said the dog. "Every night my master puts a collar around my neck and chains me up. You will soon get used to it.""Is that the only reason?" said the wolf. "Then good-bye to you, my friend. I would rather be free."

The fable tells us freedom is much more important than ease.