A man is known by his words, as a tree is by the fruit; and if we
would be apprized of the nature and qualities of any one, let him
but discourse, and he will speak them to us better than another can
describe them. We may therefore perceive, from this Fable, how proper
it is for those to hold their tongues, who would not discover the
shallowness of their understandings. “Empty vessels make the greatest
sound,” and the deepest rivers are most silent; the greatest noise
is ever found where there is the least depth of water. It is a true
observation, that those who are the weakest in understanding, and most
slow of apprehension, are generally the most precipitate in uttering
their crude conceptions. Grave looks, an aspect of dignity, and a
solemn deportment, may sometimes deceive even an accurate observer; but
wise discourse cannot be successfully counterfeited or assumed, and the
sententious blockhead is as easily recognised as the pert coxcomb. It
matters not what disguise one of these may assume; he utters himself,
and undeceives us: he brays, and tells the whole company what he is.
[Illustration]
[Illustration] [Page 107]