| The Cicada, having sung |
| All summer long, |
| Found herself wanting |
| When the north wind came. |
| Not a single morsel |
| Of fly or tiny worm. |
| She went begging for food |
| To her neighbour the Ant, |
| Asking her to lend her |
| Just a few grains to get by |
| Until the next season. |
| "I will pay you back, she said, |
| Before August, animal's honor, |
| Interest and principal." |
| The Ant is no lender: |
| This is the least of her faults. |
| "What were you doing during the warm days? |
| She said to this borrower. |
| --Night and day no matter what |
| I was singing, like it or not. |
| --You were singing? I'm very glad: |
| Very well, start dancing now." |
