The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain, #1)

by Lloyd Alexander

On the little farm, while Taran and Coll saw to the plowing, sowing, weeding, reaping, and all the other tasks of husbandry, Dallben undertook the meditating, an occupation so exhausting he could accomplish it only by lying down and closing his eyes.

It would be a shame if you were killed. I should be very sorry. I know I wouldn’t like it to happen to me

Gurgi’s misfortune is that he is neither one thing nor the other, at the moment. He has lost the wisdom of animals and has not gained the learning of men. Therefore, both shun him.

Neither refuse to give help when it is needed,” Medwyn continued, “nor refuse to accept it when it is offered.