The camel, discontented at not having horns, lost its ears likewise. The adage teaches that we should be thankful for those faculties and powers with which it has pleased Providence to endow us, and not to ask for properties inconsistent with our state, and which would be rather injurious to us than beneficial, as horns would be to the camel, whose strength does not lie in his neck. The fable seems to have taken its rise from the camel's having shorter ears than most animals of its size, and to its not being or reputed not to be quick of hearing. Hence the ancients feigned, that Jupiter, offended at their asking for horns, had deprived them of their ears also.

See the camel is dancing, may be said, when we see a very austere person laughing, or any one doing what is contrary to his usual habit or disposition.