A jar of Honey having been upset in a housekeeper's room, a number of
Flies were attracted by its sweetness, and placing their feet in it ate
it greedily.

Their feet, however, became so smeared with the Honey that they could
not use their wings, nor release themselves, and so were suffocated.

Just as they were expiring, they exclaimed, "O foolish creatures that
we are; for the sake of a little pleasure we have destroyed ourselves!"



The Spectacles

Jupiter, one day, enjoying himself over a bowl of nectar, and in a
merry humour, determined to make mankind a present.

Momus was appointed to convey it, who, mounted on a rapid car, was
presently on earth. "Come hither," said he, "ye happy mortals; great
Jupiter has opened for your benefit his all-gracious hands. 'Tis true
he made you somewhat short-sighted, but, to remedy that inconvenience,
behold now he has favoured you!"

So saying, he opened his portmanteau, when an infinite number of
spectacles tumbled out, and were picked up by the crowd with all the
eagerness imaginable. There were enough for all, for every man had his
pair.

But it was soon found that these spectacles did not represent objects