There was a Hound who in his days of youth and strength had never met to any beast of the forest, encountered in his old age a boar in the chase.
He caught him tightly by his ear, but could not retain his hold because of the decay of his teeth, so that the boar escaped.
His master, quickly coming up, was very much disappointed, and fiercely abused the dog.
The Hound looked up and said, "It was not my
fault. master: my spirit was as good as ever,
but I could not help my infirmities. I rather
deserve to be praised for what I have been, than
to be blamed for what I am."