Pagina 153 de 274

An Owl, who lived in a hollow tree, was in the habit of feeding

by night and sleeping by day; but her slumbers were greatly

disturbed by the chirping of a Grasshopper, who had taken up his

abode in the branches. She begged him repeatedly to have some

consideration for her comfort, but the Grasshopper, if anything,

only chirped the louder. At last the Owl could stand it no

longer, but determined to rid herself of the pest by means of a

trick. Addressing herself to the Grasshopper, she said in her

pleasantest manner, "As I cannot sleep for your song, which,

believe me, is as sweet as the notes of Apollo's lyre, I have a

mind to taste some nectar, which Minerva gave me the other day.

Won't you come in and join me?" The Grasshopper was flattered by

the praise of his song, and his mouth, too, watered at the

mention of the delicious drink, so he said he would be delighted.

No sooner had he got inside the hollow where the Owl was sitting

than she pounced upon him and ate him up.