The Grasshopper and the Ant
Fable de Jean de la Fontaine
 Fables of la Fontaine > Book I > The Grasshopper and the Ant |
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| A grasshopper gay Sang the summer away, And found herself poor By the winter's first roar. Of meat or of bread, Not a morsel she had! So begging she went, To her neighbour the ant, For the loan of some wheat, Which would serve her to eat, Till the season came round. "I will pay you," she says, "On an animal's faith, Double weight in the pound Before the harvest is bound." The ant is a friend (And here she might mend) Little given to lend. "How did you spend the summer?" Said she, looking shame At the borrowing dame. "Night and day to each comer I sang, if you please." "You sang! I'm at ease; For it's plain at a glance, Now, ma'am, you must dance." |
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