idol in the market-place and gave it a vigorous kick.

A dog came to him as he lay groaning on the ground, nursing his broken leg,
and said, "Well, did you prove anything?"

"Nothing," said the other. "Except that I am an ass."

Deductions to be drawn: Any old thing.

[Illustration: The Idol and the Ass.]




The Bee and Jupiter.


A Bee, the queen of all the hives, ascended to Olympus with a present of
some super-refined honey for Jupiter.

The god was delighted with the honey, and in return offered to grant any
request the Bee might make.

"Give to me, I pray, O Lord of the Heavens! a sting, that, small and weak
as I am, I may not be defenceless against my enemies."

Jupiter was quite put out at this demand, as he knew the weapon would be
used principally against mankind, whom he much loved. But a god's promise
must be kept, so he said: