146 FABLES. 



all otherwise nearly alike in person; but as I have 

 not been able to see who worked, and who did not, 

 I know of no mode in which I shall be enabled to 

 judg'e so correctly, as by setting" each party to work 

 at the making of the honey. Therefore, addressing 

 himself to the Bees, you take one hive; and you, 

 speaking to the Drones, will be so good as to take 

 another, and both go to work to make honey as 

 fast as you can. The Bees readily accepted the 

 proposal: but the Drones hung back, and would 

 not agree to it. So, so! says Judge Wasp, I see 

 clearly how the matter stands; and without further 

 ceremony, declared in favour of the Bees. 



APPLICATION. 



THE surest method of detecting ignorance and 

 inability, is to put arrogant pretenders to the test, 

 and appreciate their claims by a fair trial ; and 

 when those who assume the merit due to works of 

 ingenuity, refuse to prove their title by a display of 

 their talents, we may well conclude that their pre- 

 tensions are unfounded, and that they are mere 

 impostors. When men, who are at the head of 

 national affairs, will not be at the pains to find out 

 merit (for men of that character are too modest to 

 obtrude themselves; they will be surrounded by a 

 swarm of idle, impudent, good-for-nothing drones ; 

 and these too often succeed in obtaining those 

 benefits which should be the reward of men of 

 parts, integrity, and industry. 



