Laboulaye's Fairy Book

were bringing grain from the new harvest. The whole republic was in motion. The ants were all going or coming, talking to their neighbors, and receiving or giving orders; so

"are you not going to the Castle of

road is long and the future uncertain, and we are rich. Let fools count on to-morrow; the wise

et out. Pensive, on the contrary, said that the ant was a selfish fellow, and that, if life were made only for enjoyment, th

d not less dreamy than he. At noon they sought for a shady place in which to rest for a few moments. The sun was less scorching than the day before. It seemed as if both country and season had changed. The road lay through meadows lately mown for the s

pproached them, and was received with politeness. They invited him by a nod to be seated, and pointed out to him great bowls full of milk and cheese. Our traveler admired the calmness and gravity of these peaceful and powerful animals, which seemed like so many Roman senators in their curule chairs. The gol

overed with tired birds, resting to regain strength before crossing the sea, and Fido had only to stoop down t

had hitherto feared to disturb them, entered into conversation

ers of this rich

the rest, to the Fairy Crapaudine, the Queen of th

require of you?

"or, at most, to give her one of our children from time to time to regale her guests. At this price we enj

e Fountain of Immortality?" asked Graceful, who, w

e visions," replied the bull; "but we are wiser than our fathers; we

y, and asked what were those reddish squ

tinue your road. You will see the fairy, my young friend, and she will offer you hospitality and riches. Take my advice and do like those that have

me of them?" a

the bull, who, not having finished his aft

in the sun, full of flies. "Why take this long journey?" said the spider to the swallow. "What is the use of changing your climate and putting your life at the mercy of the sea, the weather, or a master? Look at me

ime the spider, like an attentive hostess, offered the prey to her astonished companion, when suddenly a breeze passed-a breeze so light that it did not ruffle a feather of the swallow