CHAPTER XV 



THE CIONUS 



AN insect, well known to every one, is 

 often but a stupid creature, while an- 

 other, of which nothing is known, is of real 

 value. When endowed with talents worthy 

 of attention, it passes unrecognized; when 

 richly clad and of handsome appearance, it is 

 familiar to us. We judge it by its coat and 

 its size, as we judge our neighbour by the 

 fineness of his clothing and the importance 

 of the position which he fills. The rest 

 does not count. 



Of course, if it is to be honoured by the 

 historian, it is best that the insect should 

 enjoy popular renown. This saves the 

 reader trouble, as he at once knows precisely 

 what we are speaking of; furthermore, it 

 shortens the story, which is not hampered 

 by long and tedious descriptions. More- 

 over, if size facilitates observation, if ele- 

 gance of shape and brilliance of costume 

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