106 FABLES. 



describe them. We may therefore perceive, from 

 this Fable, how proper it is for those to hold their 

 tongues, who would not discover the shallowness of 

 their understandings. " Empty vessels make the 

 greatest sound," and the deepest rivers are most 

 silent; the greatest noise is ever found where there 

 is the least depth of water. It is a true observation, 

 that those who are the weakest in understanding, 

 and most slow of apprehension, are generally the 

 most precipitate in uttering their crude conceptions. 

 Grave looks, an aspect of dignity, and a solemn de- 

 portment, may sometimes deceive even an accurate 

 observer; but wise discourse cannot be successfully 

 counterfeited or assumed, and the sententious block- 

 head is as easily recognised as the pert coxcomb. 

 It matters not what disguise one of these may 

 assume; he utters himself, and undeceives us: he 

 brays, and tells the whole company what he is. 



