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Give me leave, lord, and I will be the best of your hounds…

“Give me leave, lord, and I will be the best of your hounds – but if a dog be driven out, he will become a wolf and feed on his master’s flocks.” quote by Poul Anderson
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““Give me leave, lord, and I will be the best of your hounds – but if a dog be driven out, he will become a wolf and feed on his master’s flocks.””

Poul Anderson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A loyal servant, when cast out, transforms into a predator that attacks its former master, illustrating betrayal’s vicious cycle.

In simple terms: A cast‑out becomes a wolf against its master.

Key Takeaway

Beware of mistreating loyal allies.

Themes

betrayal loyalty transformation revenge

Mood

cautionary dramatic

Type

mythic instructive

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • political
  • personal relationships
  • leadership

Key Concepts

mythology psychology power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What consequences arise from discarding faithful allies?
  • How can loyalty be preserved under strain?
A Different Perspective

The analogy may oversimplify complex loyalties.

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