NOTE: 115

gathers and protects [them] under her wing. For this [reason], our Lord said: “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!” (Matt. 24:37).* In this manner, from the natural goodnesses found in every single animal, the zealous [man] derives benefit for himself, and thus renders his character and conduct even more virtuous. 17. From the ant (*kharənchay*) [man] learns foresight; whereby in a time of prosperity, he does not remain careless, supposing [it] unchangeable, but with a prudent mind he also considers adversity; and he labors and prepares beforehand that which is necessary for that time, so that adversity does not subsequently harm his existence, or that it may pass lightly. For this small creature, with ceaseless labor, gathers wheat from the summer so that it may eat [it] in the winter season; and when the wheat is dampened by rain, it places [it] in the sun and dries [it], and from the middle --- * *Note: The citation reflects the source text's "Matt. 24:37," though the biblical verse is Matthew 23:37.*