The Dog in the Manger

Adog looking out for its afternoon nap jumped into the Manger of an Ox and lay there cosily upon the straw.But soon the Ox, returning from its afternoon work,came up to the Manger and wanted to eat some of the straw.The Dog in a rage, being awakened from its slumber, stood up and barked at the Ox, and whenever it came near attempted to bite it. At last the Ox had to give up the hope of getting at the straw, and went away muttering:

“Ah, people often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.”

Key points

attempt to 嘗試；企圖

bark at 對……犬吠

be awakened 被吵醒

bite 咬

cosily 舒適地

give up 放棄

grudge 怨恨

in a rage 發怒

manger（馬、牛）食槽

mutter 喃喃自語

ox 牛；公牛

slumber 睡眠

straw 稻草