The Grasshopper and the Ant

"The Grasshopper and the Ant" is a classic fable penned by Jean de La Fontaine that centers around the story of a playful grasshopper and a diligent ant. In the summer, the grasshopper spends his days singing and playing, while the ant works tirelessly to store food for the winter. When winter arrives, the grasshopper finds himself starving and begs the ant for food. It's a tale about work ethic, planning, and the importance of preparing for the future in a world where immediate pleasures can lead to long-term consequences.

• Fable

								
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."
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