The Grasshopper and the Ant

The gay grasshopper, full of song All the sunny season long, Was unprovided and brought low, When the north wind began to blow ; Had not a scrap of worm or fly, Hunger and want began to cry ; Never was creature more perplexed. She called upon her neighbour ant, And humbly prayed her just to grant Some grain till August next ; “I'll pay, ” she said, “what ye invest, Both principal and interest, Honour of insects –and that's tender. ” The ant, however, is no lender ; That is her least defective side ; “But, hark ye, pray, Miss Borrower, ” she cried, “What were ye doing in fine weather ? ” “ Singing . . . nay,! look not thus askance, To every comer day and night together. ” “ Singing ! I'm glad of that ; why now then dance. ”