[Illustration: JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.]
The Camel presented a petition to Jupiter, complaining of the hardship
of his case in not having, like bulls and other creatures, horns, or any
weapons of defence, to protect himself from the attacks of his enemies,
and praying that relief might be given him in such manner as might be
thought most expedient. Jupiter could not help smiling at the
impertinent address of the great silly beast, but, however, rejected the
petition; and told him that, so far from granting his unreasonable
request, henceforward he would take care his ears should be shortened,
as a punishment for his presumptuous importunity.