Some lazy Drones their action laid,
For honey that the Bees had made.
Before the Wasp the cause was tried,
Who knew the parties on each side;
And as a ground for his decision,
He made to both this proposition:
"So like you are in hue and make,
Between you one might well mistake;
Now, then, to make the matter clear,
Take each of you a hive, and here
Begin to work; we soon shall see
Whose honeycomb shall likest be
To this you claim."The Bees agree;
The Drones refuse: The judge at last,
Upon the case this sentence past:
"'Tis plain to whom belongs the hoard
To the Bees let it be restor'd."
The Drones in peace I might have left
To live, as they are wont, on theft,
Had they the sentence not rejected,
When they the umpire had selected.
Source: Boothby - Phaedrus 3.12.
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