102 THE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE. This tale 's no fiction, but a fact, Which, by experience backed, Proves that a single penny, At present held, and certain, Is worth five times as many, Of Hope's, beyond the curtain ; That one should be content with his condition, And shut his ears to counsels of ambition, More faithless than the wreck-strown sea, and which Doth thousands beggar where it makes one rich, — Inspires the hope of wealth, in glorious forms, And blasts the same with piracy and storms. III. THE FLY AND THE ANT.* A FLY and ant, upon a sunny bank. Discussed the question of their rank.
- O Jupiter ! ' the former said,
- Can love of self so turn the head.
That one so mean and crawling. And of so low a calling. To boast equality shall dare With me, the daughter of the air? In palaces I am a guest. And even at thy glorious feast.
