The Ant and the Dove

An ant went to 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 water close to her. The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterwards a bird catcher came and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in its branches. The Ant, perceiving his design, stung him in the foot. In pain, the bird catcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove take wing.

Moral:    One good turn deserves another.

Illustration by 
Percy James Billinghurst