The Gifted Ant

by Oliver Herford

　　 A gifted ant, who could no more Than keep starvation from her door, Once cast about that she might find An occupation to her mind. An ant with active hands and feet Can, as a rule, make both ends meet. Unhappily, this was not quite The case with her of whom I write. “Since I am gifted,” she’d explain, “I ought to exercise my brain. The only thing for me, it’s clear, Is a professional career!” But no profession could she find, Until one day there crossed her mind The proverb bidding sluggards gaze Upon the ant to learn her ways. “The very thing!” she cried. “Hurray! I’ll advertise without delay. Things are come to a pretty pass, If I can’t teach a sluggard class!” She set to work without delay, And wrote some cards that very day; And hung them in the grass—a plan To catch the sluggard’s eye. They ran As follows: "Sluggards who desire An education to acquire Will find it well to call to-day Upon Professor Ant, B. A. Her Sluggard Class, she begs to state, Reopens at an early date With several vacancies—a chance Exceptional— Terms—In Advance."