The Impecunious Cricket And The Frugal Ant

There was an ant, a spinster ant,     Whose virtues were so many     That she became intolerant     Of those who hadn't any:     She had a small and frugal mind     And lived a life ascetic,     Nor was her temperament the kind     That's known as sympathetic.     I skip details. Suffice to say     That, knocking at her wicket,     There chanced to come one autumn day     A common garden cricket     So ragged, poor, and needy that,     Without elucidation,     One saw the symptoms of a bat     Of several months' duration.     He paused beside her door-step, and,     With one pathetic gesture,     He called attention with his hand     To both his shoes and vesture.     "I joined," said he, "an opera troupe.     They suddenly disbanded,     And left me on the hostel stoop,     Lugubriously stranded.     "I therefore lay aside my pride     And frankly ask for clothing."     "Begone!" the frugal ant replied.     "I look on you with loathing.     Your muddy shoes have spoiled the lawn,     Your hands have soiled the fence, too.     If you need money, go and pawn     Your watch--if you have sense to."     THE MORAL is: Albeit lots     Of people follow Dr. Watts,     The sluggard, when his means are scant,     Should seek an uncle, not an ant!