The Ant and the Dove

An ant went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and

being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of

drowning.  A Dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked

a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her.  The Ant

climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank.  Shortly

afterwards a birdcatcher came and stood under the tree, and laid

his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches.  The Ant,

perceiving his design, stung him in the foot.  In pain the

birdcatcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove

take wing.