A commonwealth of Ants, having, after a busy summer, provided every
thing for their wants in the winter, were about shutting themselves up
for that dreary season, when a Grasshopper in great distress, and in
dread of perishing with cold and hunger, approached their avenues, and
with great humility begged they would relieve his wants, and permit
him to take shelter in any corner of their comfortable mansion. One of
the Ants asked him how he had disposed of his time in summer, that he
had not taken pains and laid in a stock, as they had done? Alas! my
friends, says he, I passed away the time merrily and pleasantly, in
drinking, singing, and dancing, and never once thought of winter. If
that be the case, replied the Ant, all I have to say is this: that they
who drink, sing, and dance in the summer, run a great risk of starving
in the winter.