LA CIGALE ET LA FOURMI	THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANT
Jean de la Fontaine	trans. Stan Solomons
La cigale, ayant chanté Tout l'été, trouva fort dépourvue Quand la bise fut venue. Pas un seul petit morceau De mouche ou de vermisseau. Elle alla crier famine Chez la fourmi sa voisine, La priant de lui prêter Quelque grain pour subsister Jusqu'à la saison nouvelle. "Je vous paierai," lui dit-elle, "avant l'août, foi d'animal, Intérêt et principal." La fourmi n'est pas prêteuse; C'est là son moindre défaut. "Que faisiez-vous au temps chaud?" Dit-elle à cette emprunteuse. - "Nuit et jour à tout venant Je chantais, ne vous déplaise." - "Vous chantiez? j'en suis fort aise. Eh bien! dansez maintenant."	The Grasshopper in drowsy song Has spent the pleasant summer long, And found herself without a crumb When winter's icy blast had come. Not one small morsel could she spy Of puny worm or measly fly. So off she went to cry her want Straight to her neighbour Madame Ant, Merely asking for a loan Of bread or grain to eke her own Until the plenteous time came round. "I'll pay you back, or I'll be bound By August, word of animal, Both interest and principal." The Ants are not a lending lot Indeed that is their slightest fault. "What were you doing when 'twas hot?" She asked this impecunious sort. " To all who came, both day and night I used to sing at every chance." "You used to sing? That's fine and right! Well now's the very time - to dance!"

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Trans. Copyright © Stan Solomons 2006

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