AN OWL1, accustomed to feed at night and to sleep during the day,
was greatly disturbed by the noise of a Grasshopper2 and earnestly
besought her to stop chirping3. The Grasshopper refused to
desist, and chirped4 louder and louder the more the Owl entreated5.
When she saw that she could get no redress6 and that her words
were despised, the Owl attacked the chatterer by a stratagem7.
"Since I cannot sleep," she said, "on account of your song which,
believe me, is sweet as the lyre of Apollo, I shall indulge
myself in drinking some nectar which Pallas lately gave me. If
you do not dislike it, come to me and we will drink it together."
The Grasshopper, who was thirsty, and pleased with the praise of
her voice, eagerly flew up. The Owl came forth8 from her hollow,
seized her, and put her to death.
