The Grasshopper and Ant.

A Merry Grasshopper, that sung And tun'd it all the Summer long, Fed on small Flies, and had no Reason To have sad thoughts the gentler Season; For when 'twas hot the Wind at South, The Victuals flew into his Mouth: But when the Winters cold came on, He found he was as much undone, As any Insect under Heav'n; And now the hungry Songster's driv'n To such a state, no Man can know it, But a Musician or a Poet, He makes a Visit to an Ant, Desires he would relieve his want; I come not in a begging way, } Says he, No Sir, name but a day } In July next, and I'll repay, } Your Interest and your Principal Shall both be ready at a Call. The thrifty Ant says truly Neighbour, I get my Living by hard Labour; But you, that in this Storm came hither, What have you done when 'twas fair Weather? I've sung, replies the Grasshopper; Sung! says the Ant, your Servant, Sir; If you have sung away the best Of all the Year, go dance the rest.