Versos English Jean de La Fontaine The Grasshopper And The Ant.

English poem

The Grasshopper And The Ant.

by (1621–1695)

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The Grasshopper, singing All summer long, Now found winter stinging, And ceased in his song. Not a morsel or crumb in his cupboard— So he shivered, and ceased in his song. Miss Ant was his neighbor; To her he went: "O, you're rich from labor, And I've not a cent. Lend me food, and I vow I'll return it, Though at present I have not a cent." The Ant's not a lender, I must confess. Her heart's far from tender To one in distress. So she said: "Pray, how passed you the summer, That in winter you come to distress?" "I sang through the summer," Grasshopper said. "But now I am glummer Because I've no bread." "So you sang!" sneered the Ant. "That relieves me. Now it's winter—go dance for your bread!"