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."

Jean de La Fontaine - Les Fables - Livre I