242 THE LIFE AND LOVE OF THE INSECT 



female cannot do so ; she is a prisoner, handcuffed by 

 her seducer. 



In rather infrequent cases, one can see even finer 

 things. I have caught the Scorpion dragging his sweet- 

 heart by the two fore-arms ; I have seen him pull her 

 by one leg and by the tail. She had resisted the advances 

 of the outstretched hand ; and the bully, forgetful of all 

 reserve, had thrown her on her side and clawed hold of 

 her at random. The thing is quite clear : we have to 

 do with a regular rape, abduction with violence. Even 

 so did Romulus' youths rape the Sabine women. 



