A Shepherd, with a single Dog,   Was ask'd the reason why
  He kept a Dog, whose least supply
  Amounted to a loaf of bread
  For every day. The people said
  He'd better give the animal
  To guard the village seignior's hall;
  For him, a Shepherd, it would be
  A thriftier economy
  To keep small curs, say two or three,
  That would not cost him half the food,
  And yet for watching be as good.
............