The Brazier and His Dog

A brazier had a little dog who was a great favorite with his master and his constant companion. While the brazier hammered away at his metals, the dog would sleep peacefully. However, when it was time for the master to have his dinner, the dog would wake up and wag his tail, as if to ask for a share of the meal.

One day, pretending to be angry and shaking his stick at the dog, the master exclaimed, "You wretched little sluggard! What shall I do with you? While I am hammering on the anvil, you sleep on the mat. Yet, when I begin to eat after my toil, you wake up and wag your tail for food. Do you not know that labor is the source of every blessing, and that only those who work are entitled to eat?"

The dog, looking up at his master with innocent eyes, seemed to ponder these words, realizing that while he may enjoy the comforts of companionship, he must also understand the value of hard work and effort.