Dispute with a Peacock Butterfly. 47 



the nobler, or higher, or better life to lead, how dare 

 you attempt to do so ! It is not for you to decide. 

 In my opinion, whoever does the work he is given to 

 do, best — whatever that work may be — whatever that 

 work may be, mind," repeated the snail emphatically, 

 putting out both his horns, and pointing one at each 

 of the insects in a very significant manner — " leads 

 the best life." 



At this moment the sun, which had been behind a 

 cloud for some time, shone brightly out, and the 

 snail retired into his shell at once, and rested on the 

 cool soft moss which grew over the dial. The two 

 insects looked at each other rather foolishly, and 

 Buz was the first to speak : 



" I'm glad that snail overheard us, and spoke out 

 so plainly ; I seem to see things differently now, and 

 retract what I said about selfishness." 



" And I," answered the butterfly — who was really 

 very good-natured, and was apt to hurt people's feel- 

 ings only from want of thought — " am very sorry 

 indeed that I should have laughed at you or your 

 work ; for I honor you in my heart, I do indeed. 

 Now come," she continued coaxingly, " do let us 

 part friends ; and if you would let me take one of 

 the hints given by that dear old snail, I should think 

 it so kind of you. If ever you feel tired or over- 



