The man recovered of the bite, The dog it was that died.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The victim survived the attack, but the aggressor suffered the fatal consequence.
- In plain terms
- The person bitten lived, but the dog that bit them died.
- What can you take from it?
- Harmful actions can backfire on the perpetrator.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who bears the cost of harm?
- Does survival imply innocence?
Another view
It simplifies complex situations where intent matters.
More from Oliver Goldsmith
The dog, to gain some private ends, Went mad, and bit the man.
Permalink to quote #40 When lovely woman stoops to folly, And finds too late that men betray, What charm can soothe her melancholy? What art can wash her guilt away?
Permalink to quote #42 And in that town a dog was found, As many dogs there be, Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, And curs of low degree.
Permalink to quote #39
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