Earliest Signs of Spring 



was no mean entomologist, as well as moral 

 scientist, and probably as well acquainted with 

 the nature of this insect as we are, referred the 

 sluggard to the ant for his best model. Why- 

 improvidence and idleness, as we contemptu- 

 ously call it, should be so reprehensible in but- 

 terflies, and quite permissible and even praise- 

 worthy in birds, is difficult of explanation; 

 unless it be that the latter are shielded under 

 scriptural endorsement. 



The butterfly may not be a model of inces- 

 sant toil ; leave to the bee the dubious praise of 

 restless industry. But a nobler mission than 

 being a type of drudgery is accorded to our 

 brilliant, careless, happy friend ; namely, that 

 it should symbolize what is the deepest hope of 

 all mankind. The most earnest question that 

 has come down to us from the twilight of hu- 

 man history, and has re-echoed from every cen- 

 tury since, is the inquiry, " If a man die, shall 

 he live again? " As Coleridge has said, 



" The butterfly the ancient Grecians made 

 The soul's fair emblem, and its only name — 

 But of the soul, escaped the slavish trade 

 Of mortal life ! " 



Let it then be the light but glorious task of 

 this frail beauty to preach the truth of imraor- 

 273 



