FAVOURITE FABLES. 81

FABLE Lx:
THE TWO BEES.

On a fine morning in May, two Bees set forward in quest
of honey; the one, wise and temperate; the other, careless and
extravagant. They soon arrived at a garden enriched with
aromatic herbs, the most fragrant flowers, and the most
delicious fruits. They regaled themselves for a time on the
various dainties that were set before them: the one loading
his thigh at intervals with provisions for the hive against the
distant winter, the other revelling in sweets, without regard
to anything but his present gratification.

At length, they found a wide-mouthed vial, that hung
beneath the bough of a peach-tree, filled with honey ready
tempered, and exposed to their taste in the most alluring
manner. The thoughtless Epicure, spite of all his friend’s
remonstrances, plunged headlong into the vessel, resolving
to indulge himself in all the pleasures of sensuality. The
Philosopher, on the other hand, sipped a little with caution,
but, being suspicious of danger, flew off to fruits and flowers ;
where, by the moderation of his meals, he improved his
relish for the true enjoyment of them.

G