CHAPTER III 



THE CICADA 



THE CICADA AND THE ANT 



TO most of us the Cicada's song is unknown, 

 for he lives in the land of the olive-trees. 

 But every one who has read La Fontaine's 

 "Fables" has heard of the snub the Cicada received from 

 the Ant, though La Fontaine was not the first to tell 

 the tale. 



The Cicada, says the story, did nothing but sing all 

 through the summer, while the Ants were busy storing 

 their provisions. When winter came he was hungry, 

 and hurried to his neighbour to borrow some food. He 

 met with a poor welcome. 



"Why didn't you gather your food in the summer?" 

 asked the prudent Ant. 



"I was busy singing all the summer,'' said the Cicada. 



"Singing, were you?" answered the Ant unkindly. 

 "Well, then, now you may dance!" And she turned her 

 back on the beggar. 



[25] 



