56 
UNDER THE PLANTAIN LEAF 
more variety to my life, than if I 
always listened to myself, and had 
no ears for anyone else.” 
“Pshaw,” said the bee, “that will 
do for anyone to say who cannot 
make the faintest little buzz herself. 
Why, if you could sing, Miss For¬ 
mica, you would be just like us. 
You would be delighted with the 
sound of your own voice, just as we 
are.” 
The ant was silent several mo¬ 
ments; then she said slowly: 
“Perhaps you are right. Perhaps 
it it is natural for each living crea¬ 
ture to think its own gifts the best.” 
“I have heard,” said the wasp 
wisely, “that there are certain beings 
in the world that are not contented 
