P. V. Ramaswami Raju

The Dog and the Dog-dealer

A dog was standing by the cottage of a peasant. A man who dealt in dogs passed by the way. The dog said, "Will you buy me?"

The man said, "Oh, you ugly little thing! I would not give a farthing for you!"

Then the dog went to the palace of the king and stood by the portal. The sentinel caressed it, and said, "You are a charming little creature!"

Just then the dog-dealer came by. The dog said, "Will you buy me?"

"Oh," said the man, "you guard the palace of the king, who must have paid a high price for you. I cannot afford to pay the amount, else I would willingly take you."

"Ah!" said the dog, "how place and position affect people!"