The Sheep And The Pig

Summary

This story highlights a comical encounter between a shepherd, his sheep, and a captured pig. As the shepherd discovers and tries to take a pig to market, the pig's loud protests attract the interest of the grazing sheep. The sheep, confused by the pig's loud squealing, inquire about its unusual behavior since they themselves are regularly caught without much fuss. The pig explains that the stakes are higher for him since the shepherd is after more than just wool—it's after his life. The story subtly differentiates between the perceived danger faced by sheep, who are sheared for wool, and the pig, whose very existence is threatened. The narrative offers a humorous yet insightful look into the differing perspectives on danger and survival.

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One day a shepherd discovered a fat Pig in the meadow where his Sheep were pastured. He very quickly captured the porker, which squealed at the top of its voice the moment the Shepherd laid his hands on it. You would have thought, to hear the loud squealing, that the Pig was being cruelly hurt. But in spite of its squeals and struggles to escape, the Shepherd tucked his prize under his arm and started off to the butcher’s in the market place.

The Sheep in the pasture were much astonished and amused at the Pig’s behavior, and followed the Shepherd and his charge to the pasture gate.

“What makes you squeal like that?” asked one of the Sheep. “The Shepherd often catches and carries off one of us. But we should feel very much ashamed to make such a terrible fuss about it like you do.”

“That is all very well,” replied the Pig, with a squeal and a frantic kick. “When he catches you he is only after your wool. But he wants my bacon! gree-ee-ee!”