An ant went to the bank of a river to quench1 its thirst, andbeing carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point ofdrowning. A dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water pluckeda leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her. The antclimbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortlyafterwards a birdcatcher came and stood under the tree, and laidhis lime-twigs2 for the dove, which sat in the branches. The ant,perceiving his design, stung him in the foot. In pain thebirdcatcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the dovetake wing. 
One good turn deserves another. 