The Dog and the Hare

Summary

This short narrative presents a moral lesson through the interaction between a Hound and a Hare. As the Hound pursues the Hare, it shows conflicting behaviors, alternately attempting to harm the Hare and then behaving as if it wants to play. The Hare, confused by these mixed signals, confronts the Hound, questioning its sincerity and true intentions. The story illustrates the importance of consistent and honest behavior, suggesting that actions should align with one's intentions, whether they be friendly or hostile. It serves as a lesson in integrity and the importance of being truthful in one’s interactions with others.

Read Online

A Hound having started a Hare on the hillside pursued her for some distance, at one time biting her with his teeth as if he would take her life, and at another fawning upon her, as if in play with another dog. The Hare said to him, “I wish you would act sincerely by me, and show yourself in your true colors. If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?”