THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANT.

The Grasshopper, so blithe and gay, 

   Sang the summer time away.  

  Pinched and poor the spendthrift grew, 

   When the sour north-easter blew.   

 In her larder not a scrap,  

 Bread to taste, nor drink to lap. 

   To the Ant, her neighbour, she  

 Went to moan her penury,

Praying for a loan of wheat, 

  Just to make a loaf to eat,  

  Till the sunshine came again.  

  "All I say is fair and plain,  

   I will pay you every grain,   

  Principal and interest too, 

    Before harvest, I tell you,  

  On my honour—every pound,   

  Ere a single sheaf is bound.  

   "The Ant's a very prudent friend, 

    Never much disposed to lend; 

  

  Virtues great and failings small,   

   This her failing least of all.   

  Quoth she, "How spent you the summer?"   

 "Night and day, to each new comer  

    I sang gaily, by your leave; 

    Singing, singing, morn and eve."   

   "You sang? I see it at a glance.   

   Well, then, now's the time to dance."