
E-text prepared by Chris Curnow, Diane Monico,
A lively ensemble of dogs gathers on a sun‑lit plain, called together by a dignified sheep‑dog to air their grievances about how poets have begun to overlook their contributions. Each breed steps forward—fleet Greyhound, keen‑scented Harrier, proud Stag‑hound, loyal Cur—delivering witty verses that celebrate speed, tracking skill, and faithful service while gently ribbing one another. Their banter swirls with sparkling rhymes, turning a simple council into a charming parade of personalities, from the playful Poodle’s good‑natured confusion to the courtly Spaniel’s graceful poise.
The narrative unfolds as a playful satire on human vanity, using the dogs’ self‑portraits to mirror the quirks of artistic pride and the pleasures of companionship. Listeners are treated to a rhythmic, almost musical dialogue that invites both laughter and reflection, all while the dogs’ distinct voices paint a vivid picture of countryside life and the timeless bond between hound and human.
Language
en
Duration
~16 minutes (15K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2010-03-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Some of the world’s most enduring books come from writers whose names were never recorded or never revealed. “Anonymous” on a title page can mean many different things: a lost identity, a deliberate choice, or a work shaped by tradition over time.
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