The Grasshopper and the Owl

The Grasshopper and the Owl

AN OWL, accustomed to feed at night and to sleep during the day, was

greatly disturbed by the noise of a Grasshopper and earnestly besought

her to stop chirping. The Grasshopper refused to desist, and chirped

louder and louder the more the Owl entreated. When she saw that she

could get no redress and that her words were despised, the Owl attacked

the chatterer by a stratagem. “Since I cannot sleep,” she said, “on

account of your song which, believe me, is sweet as the lyre of Apollo,

I shall indulge myself in drinking some nectar which Pallas lately gave

me. If you do not dislike it, come to me and we will drink it

together.” The Grasshopper, who was thirsty, and pleased with the

praise of her voice, eagerly flew up. The Owl came forth from her

hollow, seized her, and put her to death.