The Ant


No one would credit the industrious Ant, whose ways we are told to

consider, and gather wisdom therefrom, was avaricious and lustful after

gold; but it seems it was even so, at least, in Pliny's time; but then

they were abnormally large:--"The horns of an Indian Ant, suspended in

the temple of Hercules at Erythrae (Ritri) have been looked upon as

quite miraculous for their size. This ant excavates gold from holes, in

a
country to the north of India, the inhabitants of which are known as

the Dardae. It has the colour of a cat, and is in size as large as an

Egyptian wolf. This gold, which it extracts in the winter, is taken by

the Indians during the heats of summer, while the Ants are compelled, by

the excessive warmth, to hide themselves in their holes. Still, however,

on being aroused by catching the scent of the Indians, they sally forth,

and frequently tear them to pieces, though provided with the swiftest

Camels for the purpose of flight; so great is their fleetness, combined

with their ferocity, and their passion for gold!"



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