A Shepered
A shepherd took
his sheep out to pasture, but when it was time to return to the sheep pen, he
found that some wild goats had become mixed up with his flock. Nonetheless, he
was very pleased that the flock had grown by itself, and he closed the goats
into the pen along with the sheep.
The next day was
rainy and the shepherd decided not to go out. He gave his sheep only a small
handful of food, while he gave much bigger rations to the goats. He thought
that if he treated them well, they would stay with him. In spite of this, as
soon as the shepherd opened the gate, the goats ran out and he was unable to
catch them again.
"Ungrateful
beasts," shouted the shepherd after them." I treated you better than
the other!"
"That's why
we're going," answered one of the goats. "If you prefer us new
animals to your sheep, how will you treat us if you find some more animals in
your flock?"
So do not be too happy if someone shows
you that they prefer you to their old friends. You too will soon be an old
friend and could be replaced just as easily.
