The King of the Ants

A scholar rented a quiet house with a lovely garden. He hoped to read without interruption. Neighbours whispered that strange visitors sometimes appeared there, but he found the rooms comfortable and the garden peaceful.

One evening, he heard a faint patter across the floor. Tiny riders entered his study, their horses scarcely larger than flies. The scholar leaned closer, wondering whether his tired eyes were imagining things.

More visitors followed, carrying little tables, curtains, cups and banners. They arranged everything beside his desk with astonishing speed. A whole miniature gathering appeared where he had expected only an empty corner.

At last came a king wearing a scarlet hat and purple robe. His attendants bowed and made room. To the tiny visitors, the scholar's shallow water saucer looked like an enormous sparkling lake.

They spread tents along its edge and began a feast. Faint music drifted up to the scholar. He could see every colourful sleeve, although the entire court could have fitted inside one small basket.

In the enchanted saucer, tiny fish seemed to shimmer beneath the surface. The king watched them proudly. Then he noticed the scholar and began boasting about his splendid court and important position.

He teased the scholar for spending so much time with books. The scholar felt hurt and lifted one angrily. But before bringing it down, he paused. Frightening little guests would not improve the evening.

He put the book aside and asked the visitors to leave his study. The little court hurried towards the door. As its colours faded, he saw a long trail of ordinary ants crossing the floor.

Outside, the ants disappeared into a nest beside the garden path. The scholar watched without disturbing it. Their busy world was small, but it was still a home, full of lives and work.

He kept food covered and left the garden nest alone. His study grew quiet again. Sometimes, as he read, he remembered the purple-robed king and smiled at the surprising world beneath his feet.