ONLY A FLY. 
153 
The pity for the living fly was continued to its 
remains. Nature had composed its limbs in placid 
repose, and a suitable site being found in which to 
deposit the dust, it was suitably interred. There was 
as much propriety in the mourners as is displayed by 
needy relatives when some rich man dies. 
Why should strong men have natures like this ? 
There are pepole who account for such displays of 
gentleness on patriotic grounds. The fly was their 
fellow-country mortal! Others that it was on pure 
ethnological principles easily settled. Was it not the 
last of its race 1 Could it have been for its indivi¬ 
duality that it was esteemed precious, as a rare coin is 
hoarded, or a musty tome ? Did they believe in me¬ 
tempsychosis, and regard the fly with awe, hoping, 
in doing their duty by it, they were honouring their 
grandmother ! 
After all, it was only a fly. It is sometimes said at 
the decease of a little one, “It was only a child.” 
But what does the mother think ? It was only a fly ; 
and what did the fly think 1 If the fly thought about 
it at all, had it noted the gradual disappearance of its 
companions % Had it no forebodings of its coming 
fate, no regrets for the past ? Had it no consciousness 
of the kindness of those on board the schooner ? Could 
it understand the solicitude shown for it in the selec- 
