LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 79 



besides the common silk worm, which weave 

 silk capable of being manufactured ; but it is of 

 a coarser kind, and has not yet been made of 

 much use. 



I remember having heard Renee repeat a 

 pretty little piece, called "The Silk Worm's 

 Will." If she can recollect it now, I think we 

 shall all be glad to hear it. 



Harriet. Oh, yes, Renee, do repeat it to 

 us. 



Reneb. I will, if I can remember it ; I have 

 been thinking about it this evening. 



THE SILK WORM'S WILL. 



On a plain rush hurdle a silk worm lay, 

 When a proud young princess came that way. 

 The haughty child of a human king 

 Threw a sidelong glance at the humble thing, 

 That took, with a silent gratitude, 

 From the mulberry-leaf her simple food, 

 And shrunk, half scorn arid half disgust, 

 Away from her sister child of dust ; 

 Declaring she never yet could see 

 Why a reptile form like this should be, 

 Arid that she was not made with nerves so firm 

 As calmly to stand by a crawling worm !" 



With mute forbearance the silk worm took 

 The taunting words and the spurning look ; 



