Parasites 



dislocated shoulder or a mangled leg in re- 

 turn for a simple visit which was perhaps 

 prompted by no evil intention. Each for her- 

 self in her own stronghold. But let a para- 

 site appear, meditating foul play: that's a 

 very different thing. She can wear the trap- 

 pings of Harlequin or of a church-beadle; she 

 can be the Clerus-beetle, in wing-cases of ver- 

 milion with blue trimmings, or the Dioxys- 

 bee, with a red scarf across her black abdo- 

 men, and the mistress of the house will let 

 her have her way, or, if she become too press- 

 ing, will drive her off with a mere flick of her 

 wing. With her, there is no serious fray, no 

 fierce fight. The bludgeon is reserved for the 

 friend of the family. Now go and practise 

 your mimesis in order to receive a welcome 

 from the Anthophora or the Chalicodoma! 

 A few hours spent with the Insects them- 

 selves will turn any one Into a hardened 

 scoffer at these artless theories. 



To sum up, mimesis, in my eyes, is a piece 

 of childishness. Were I not anxious to remain 

 polite, I should say that It Is sheer stupidity; 

 and the word would express my meaning bet- 

 ter. The variety of combinations in the do- 

 main of possible things is infinite. It is 

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