80 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



Alike a stranger to self and pride, 



She 'd no disquiet f:om aught beside, 



And lived of a meekness and peace possessed, 



Which these debar from the human breast. 



She only wished, for the harsh abuse, 



To find some way to become of use 



To the haughty daughter of lordly man, 



And thus did she lay a noble plan 



To teach her wisdom, and make it plain 



That the humble worm was not made in vain ; 



A plan so generous, deep, and high, 



That, to carry it out, she must even die. 



No more," said she, will I drink or eat ! 

 I'll spin and weave me a winding-sheet, 

 To wrap me up from the sun's clear light, 

 And hide my form from her wounded sight. 

 In secret then, till my end draws nigh, 

 I'll toil for her ; and when I die, 

 I'll leave behind, as a farewell boon, 

 To the proud young princess, my whole cocoon, 

 To be reeled and wove to a shining lace, 

 And hung in a veil o'er her scornful face ! 

 And when she can calmly draw her breath 

 Through the very threads that have caused my death ; 

 When she finds, at length, she has nerves so firm 

 As to wear the shroud of a crawling worm ; 

 May she bear in mind, that she walks with pride 

 In the winding-sheet where the silk worm died !" 



Anna. That is a very pretty piece, but the 

 silk worm could not think all that. 



