The Dove and the Ant

by Aesop

The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.

AN ANT went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and, being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of being drowned. A Dove, sitting on a tree overhanging the water, plucked a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her. The Ant, climbing onto it, and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterwards a birdcatcher came close and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches. The Ant, perceiving his design, stung him in the foot. He suddenly threw down the twigs, and thereupon made the Dove take wing.

Moral:
The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.

Source:

Aesop's Fables
Copyright 1881
Translator: unknown
WM. L. Allison, New York
Illustrator: Harrison Weir, John Tenniel, Ernest Griset, et.al.