So much to the good; she can wait for another drink, attained in the same manner, as soon as the occasion presents itself.
[Illustration: DURING THE DROUGHTS OF SUMMER THIRSTING INSECTS, AND NOTABLY THE ANT, FLOCK TO THE DRINKING-PLACES OF THE CIGALE.] As we see, reality completely reverses the action described by the fable.

The shameless beggar, who does not hesitate at theft, is the Ant; the industrious worker, willingly sharing her goods with the suffering, is the Cigale.

Yet another detail, and the reversal of the fable is further emphasised.

After five or six weeks of gaiety, the songstress falls from the tree, exhausted by the fever of life.

The sun shrivels her body; the feet of the passers-by crush it.