It was then that Mistress Owl noticed another scene unfolding on the forest floor below. She could see the grasshopper pleading with the ant for food. It seemed that the grasshopper had spent the summer singing and prancing around, and so she had no food to last her through the winter. The ant, however, had worked hard all season and had gathered and stored a great deal of food for the winter. And so the grasshopper found herself asking the ant for help.

‘I will pay you back,’ insisted the desperate grasshopper, ‘before next fall. I swear, on animals’ honour, interest and all! You know you can trust me, as I’ve never done you wrong.’