The Narbonne Lycosa 89 



Intolerant of these familiarities, the Spider 

 shakes the leg encroached upon and flings the 

 intruders to a distance. The assault is doggedly 

 resumed, to such good purpose that a dozen 

 succeed in hoisting themselves to the top. The 

 Epeira, who is not accustomed to the tickling 

 of such a load, turns over on her back and rolls 

 on the ground in the manner of a donkey when 

 his hide is itching. Some are lamed, some are 

 even crushed. This does not deter the others, 

 who repeat the escalade as soon as the Epeira 

 is on her legs again. Then come more somer- 

 saults, more rollings on the back, until the 

 giddy swarm are all discomfited and leave the 

 Spider in peace. 



