The little Ants.

A little black ant found a large grain of wheat,

Too heavy to lift or to roll;

So he begg’d of a neighbour he happen’d to meet,

To help it down into his hole.

I’ve got my own work to see after, said he;

You must shift for yourself, if you please;

So he crawl’d off, as selfish and cross as could be,

And lay down to sleep at his ease.

Just then a black brother was passing the road,

And seeing his neighbour in want,

Came up and assisted him in with his load;

For he was a good-natured ant.

Let all who this story may happen to hear,

Endeavour to profit by it;

For often it happens that children appear

As cross as the ant, ev’ry bit.

And the good-natured ant, who assisted his brother,

May teach those who choose to be taught,

That if little insects are kind to each other,

Then children most certainly ought.