Like I will test; Aristophanes [sc. uses this verb].[1] Because some of the birds are tested by the sound of a bell. And they used to test horses in this way with bells, [to see] whether they would be frightened by noises. Or from quails: for the ones that could endure the sound of a bell were suited for battle. But some [say that the expression derives] from cracked vessels, since they test them in this way by knocking on them. And some [say that it derives] from guards. But the [explanation] having to do with horses and vessels is better. They clearly indicated that the other [explanations] were hastily improvised. The rousing of guards by bells [was done] so that they might answer in return.[2]
And Iamblichus [writes]: "since after testing each of the shepherds he was unable to hear and to understand who the children were."[3]