MOTHS OF THE BANNERS. 283 



unless, before too late, thou seest thy folly." So saying, the 

 speaker flew up, and settled upon the new standard. 



Next morning, when the workmen returning to the chapel, 

 proceeded to sweep away the trampled tatters of the old 

 Banner, they dislodged its sole remaining occupant ; and 

 the proud and high-born Moth, after a few irresolute flutters, 

 joined her less pretending sister. 



The ruin of the new Banner forthwith commenced, and so 



it soon proved with the house of A . Strengthened for 



awhile by admixture of cotton yarn, and reburnished by ple- 

 beian gold, that noble line soon began to exhibit symptoms 

 of decay; for with it, there still continued to exist the old 

 consuming principles, pride of birth and pride of show, 

 which are represented by the Moths of the Banners. 



Jtalis 



