A Wolf eats sheep but now and then

Quote byJohn Gay · 1685–1732

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Fables (1727), Fable XVII, "The Shepherd's Dog and the Wolf".

English (original)

A Wolf eats sheep but now and then; Ten thousands are devour'd by men. An open foe may prove a curse, but a pretend friend is worse.

— John Gay

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All in the Downs the fleet was moor'd.

2460

So comes a reckoning when the banquet's o'er,— The dreadful reckoning, and men smile no more.

800

My lodging is on the cold ground, And hard, very hard, is my fare, But that which grieves me more Is the coldness of my dear.

2220

Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; and now I know it.

1010

'Twas when the seas were roaring With hollow blasts of wind, A damsel lay deploring, All on a rock reclined.

3600

Adieu, she cried, and waved her lily hand.

9880