XVI INTRODUCTION. 



The Grasshopper is mentioned several times in our 

 authorized version of Scripture, and is so translated 

 from different words, which possibly are variants of a 

 root, signifying a gnawing, swarming, or licking-up 

 insect. But once only is its voice noted in the Bible, 

 and then, as in Deut. xxviii. 42, it appears only to 

 refer to the rushing noise made by thousands in their 

 flights. There is an allusion to the insect in the well- 

 known passage, Eccl. xii. 5, " The almond tree shall 

 flourish, — and the Grasshopper be a burden." If the 

 word for this insect might be translated "Cicada," 

 the burden might well refer to its wearying song, 

 affecting and irritating an old man. 



Our English bards have not been unmindful of the 

 Cicada, but their inspiration is chiefly drawn from 

 classic sources, since the singing insect is so rarely 

 met with in Great Britain. Here the same confusion 

 often occurs with reference to the Grasshopper. 

 Vincent Bourne some years ago wrote some elegant 

 Anacreontic verses, "Ad Grillum," beginning one of 

 his stanzas with " Beatior Cicada." 



Cowper translates this same poem into English 

 verse. In a similar strain Cowper apostrophizes the 

 Cicindella and the Glowworm. With reference to the 

 last, he gives us the playful verse, — 



" Disputes have been and still prevail, 

 From whence his rays proceed ; 

 Some give that honour to his tail, 

 And others to his head." 



Cowley elegantly renders an Anacreontic ode thus : — 



" Happy insect ! what can be 

 In happiness compared to thee ? 

 Fed with nourishment divine — 

 The dewy morning's gentle wine. 

 Nature waits upon thee still, 

 And thy verdant cup doth fill. 

 'Tis filled wherever thou dost tread, 

 Nature's self thy Ganyixiede. 

 Thou dost drink and dance and sing, 

 Happier than the happiest king. 

 All the fields which tliou dost see, 

 All the plants belong to thee ; 



