NET WINGS. 68 



Some few have these lengthened bodies, 



Green and brilliantly metalhc, 



And the wings more ample, clouded 



With the deepest, richest purple. 



Feet of Demoiselles threejointed. 



These, too, have aquatic larvae, 



And aquatic, greedy pupae, 



But the pupae are elongate, 



And not short and squat and toadlike. 



Most attractive of the Net Wings, 

 For their wonderworking instinct, 

 Governing enormous nations. 

 As with superhuman wisdom, 

 Are the White Aiits, Termetina ; 

 And though White Ants are not British, 

 Still we should know something of them. 

 White Ants, Laura, live in cities, 

 Populous as those of China, 

 And constructed, too, with science, 

 Full of galleries and pathways, 

 Full of viaducts and tunnels, 

 Full of terraces and bridges, 

 Storehouses and regal chambers, 

 Full of kings and queens and rulers. 

 Full of energetic workmen. 

 Full of fiercely fighting soldiers. 

 All are but the evidences 

 Of an intellect allperfect 



