aesop's fables

"❁the ant and the worm

ant, of his talents superiorly vain,
was trotting with consequence over the plain;
worm, making progress remarkably slow,
cried "bless your good worship, wherever you go!
I hope your great mightiness won't take it ill,
I pay my respects from a hearty good will."
with a look of contempt and ineffable pride,
"be gone, you vile reptile," his antship replied;
"go, go and lament your contemptible state,
but first—look at me—see—my limbs, how complete!
I guide all my motions with freedom and ease,
I run backward and forward, and turn when I please;
of nature (grown weary,) thou shocking essay!
I spurn you thus from me—crawl out of my way."
the worm insulted, hurt deep in his soul,
crept onward, and hid himself tight in his hole;
but nature, determined to end his distress,
soon sent him abroad in a butterfly's dress.
ere long, the proud ant was repassing the road,
fatigued from the harvest, and tugging his load,
a beauty with violet wings he beheld,
whose beauty, in glory, a monarch's excelled;
his plumage expanded!- 'twas rare to behold,
so lovely a mixture of purple and gold.
the ant, quite amazed at a figure so gay,
bowed low with respect, and was trudging away:
"stop, friend," says the butterfly, "don't be surprised,
I once was the reptile you spurned and despised;
but now I can fly, in the sunbeams I play,
while you must trudge on the ground in your way."

don't burn bridges. you'll never know when you may need their help.