76 METAMORPHOSES. 



the undoubted reason is, that a butterfly was a very 

 ancient symbol of the soul — from the prevalence of 

 this symbol, and the consequent coincidence of the 

 names, it happened that the Greek sculptors frequently 

 represented Psyche as subject to Cupid in the shape of 

 a butterfly ; and that even when she appears in their 

 works under the human form, we And her decorated 

 with the light and filmy wings of that gay insect*." 



The following beautiful little poem falls in so ex- 

 actly witli the subject I have been discussing, that I 

 cannot resist the temptation I feel to copy it for you, 

 especially as I am not aware that it has appeared any 

 where but in a newspaper. 



THE BUTTERFLY'S BIRTH-DAY, 



BY THK AUTHOR OF '• THE BUTTERFLY'S BAIiL." 



The shades of night were scarcely fled ; 



The air was mild, the winds were still ; 

 And slow the slanting sun-beams spread 



O'er wood and lawn, o'er heath and hill. 



From fleecy clouds of pearly hue 



Had dropt a short but balmy shower, 



That hung like gems of morning dew- 

 On every tree and every flower. 



And from the Blackbird's mellow throat 

 Was pour'd so loud and long a swell, 



As echoed with responsive note 



From mountain side and shadowy dell. 



When bursting forth to life aiul light, 



The oll's|)ring of enraptur'd May, 

 The BuTTEKFi^Y, on pinions bright, 



Launch'd in full splendour on the day. 



* Nares's Essays, i. 101-2. 



