A Parable of Aesop

The philosopher, the Ants, and Mercury

Aesop ' s Fables

A philosopher witnessed from the shore the shipwreck of a vessel, of which the crew and passengers were all drowned. He inveighed against the injustice of Providence, which would for the sake of one criminal perchance sailing in the ship a Llow so many innocent person to perish.

As he is indulging in these reflections, he found himself surrounded by whole army of Ants, near whose nest he was standi Ng. One of them climbed up and stung him, and he immediately trampled them all to death with his foot. Mercury presented himself, and striking the philosopher with his wand, said, "and is you indeed to make yourself a judge Of the dealings of Providence, who hast thyself in a similar manner treated these poor Ants? "