Fables of La Fontaine — Fables I and II

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."

FABLE II.

THE RAVEN AND THE FOX.

Master Raven, perched upon a tree, Held in his beak a savoury piece of cheese;

Its pleasant odour, borne upon the breeze, Allured Sir Reynard, with his flattery.

"Ha!

Master Raven, 'morrow to you, sir;

How black and glossy!

now, upon my word, I never--beautiful!

I do aver.

If but your voice becomes your coat, no bird More fit to be the Phœnix of our wood-- I hope, sir, I am understood?"

The Raven, flattered by the praise, Opened his spacious beak, to show his ways Of singing: down the good cheese fell.

Quick the Fox snapped it.

"My dear sir, 'tis well," He said.

"Know that a flatterer lives On him to whom his praise he gives;

And, my dear neighbour, an' you please, This lesson's worth a slice of cheese."

-- The Raven, vexed at his consenting, Flew off, too late in his repenting.

FABLE III.