The Great Peacock 



them, all is over: the most exact of compasses 

 fails, the brightest of lamps expires. What is 

 the use of living after that ? Stoically we with- 

 draw into a corner and sleep our last sleep, 

 which is the end of our illusions and of our 

 woes alike. 



The Great Peacock becomes a Moth only 

 in order to perpetuate his species. He knows 

 nothing of eating. While so many others, 

 jolly companions one and all, flit from flower 

 to flower, unrolling the spiral of their pro- 

 boscis and dipping it into the honeyed cups, 

 he, the incomparable faster, wholly freed 

 from the bondage of the belly, has no thought 

 of refreshment. His mouth-parts are mere 

 rudiments, vain simulacra, not real organs 

 capable of performing their functions. Not 

 a sup enters his stomach : a glorious privilege, 

 save that It involves a brief existence. The 

 lamp needs its drop of oil, if it is not to be 

 extinguished. The Great Peacock renounces 

 that drop, but at the same time he renounces 

 long life. Two or three evenings, just time 

 enough to allow the couple to meet, and that 

 is all : the big Moth has lived. 



Then what is the meaning of the staying 

 away of those who have lost their antennae? 



259 



