and already also the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree, therefore, not making good fruit is cut down, and to fire it is cast.'

'For there is not a good tree making bad fruit, nor a bad tree making good fruit;

And he spake a simile to them: 'See the fig-tree, and all the trees,

for each tree from its own fruit is known, for not from thorns do they gather figs, nor from a bramble do they crop a grape.

And he spake this simile: 'A certain one had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit in it, and he did not find;

and he said unto the vine-dresser, Lo, three years I come seeking fruit in this fig-tree, and do not find, cut it off, why also the ground doth it render useless?