A mere competence with liberty is preferable to servitude amid the greatest affluence.
A lean, half-starved wolf inadvertently crossed paths with a strong, well-fed mastiff. The wolf, being too weak to act offensively, thought it wise to approach Towser, the mastiff, in a friendly manner. He complimented Towser on his goodly appearance. “Why, yes,” Towser replied, “I am indeed in tolerable ease. If you follow me, you may soon be in as good a state.”
The wolf, intrigued by the proposal, asked what he must do to earn such plentiful meals. “Very little,” said Towser, “just drive away beggars, caress my master, and be civil to his family.” The hungry wolf had no objections and agreed to follow his new acquaintance. As they trotted along, the wolf noticed a circle of worn hair around Towser’s neck. Curious, he asked about it.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Towser answered, “just the collar to which my chain is sometimes fastened.”
“Chain!” exclaimed the wolf in surprise, “So, you are not always free to roam where and when you please?”
“Not always,” Towser admitted, lowering his head.
“It signifies so much,” the wolf rejoined, “that I will have no share in your dinners. Half a meal with liberty is, in my estimation, preferable to a full one without.”
