Thinkest thou that they will exchange them for thy slaves and thine asses?
What would thy prize profit any who have vineyards in rich soils ?" "Who then," said one of the judges, "are the wretches who sent us this poison ?" "Blame them not," said the sage, "seeing that you have been the authors of the evil.

They are men whose lands are poor, and have never yielded them any returns equal to the prizes which the king proposed.

Wherefore, knowing that the lords of the fruitful vineyards would not enter into competition with them they planted vines, some on rocks, and some in light sandy soil, and some in deep clay.

Hence their wines are bad.
For no culture or reward will make barren land bear good vines.

Know therefore, assuredly, that your prizes have increased the quantity of bad but not of good wine." There was a long silence.