~ 166. The Widow and her Sheep ~

Laura Gibbs · 166. The Widow and her Sheep

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There was a widow who had but one sheep.
One time when she was shearing the sheep, she cut the wool so close that the sheep began to bleed.
"Stop!" shouted the sheep. "What need is there to take my blood along with the wool? And if you really do want to take my flesh, then find someone who knows how to do that properly. But if, as I hope, you only want my wool, don't wield your blade like a butcher."
"My apologies," said the widow. "I thank you for your wool, and I will be more careful hereafter."

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Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable.
Notes: This is fable 308 in the book, which is Perry 212.