A Gnat asked a Bee for charity in return for teaching music. The Bee demurred noting how poor his music had made the Gnat.
If you offer something, make it something of value to the other.
JBR Collection
A Gnat, half starved with cold and hunger, went one frosty morning to a bee-hive to beg charity; and offered to teach music in the Bee’s family for her food and lodging. The Bee very civilly desired to be excused, “For,” says she, “I bring up all my children to my own trade, that they may be able to get their living by their industry; and I am sure I am right, for see what that music, which you would teach my children, has brought you yourself to.”