154 NATURE’S CRAFTSMEN 
turned in tart defense. “ You said it was Mrs. 
Helix, didn’t you, Uncle John? ” 
“ I did,” her uncle confirmed briefly, “ that is 
the name she always has engraved upon her vis¬ 
iting cards. Before starting her life history, 
however, if the court pleases, I would like to re¬ 
cite a bit of old-time verse,” and he gave the fol¬ 
lowing: 
THE CATERPILLAR AND THE ANT 
A pens} 7 Ant, right trig and clean, 
Came ae day whidding o’er the green, 
Where, to advance her pride, she saw 
A Caterpillar, moving slaw. 
“ Good ev’n’t ye, Mistress Ant,” said he; 
66 How’s a’ at hame? I’m blyth to s’ye.” 
The saucy Ant view’d him wi’ scorn, 
Nor wad civilities return; 
But gecking up her head, quoth she, 
“ Poor animal! I pity thee; 
Wha scarce can claim to be a creature, 
But some experiment o’ Nature, 
Whase silly shape displeased her eye, 
And thus unfinish’d was flung bye. 
For me, I’m made wi’ better grace, 
Wi’ active limbs and lively face; 
And cleverly can move wi’ ease 
Frae place to place where’er I please; 
Can foot a minuet or jig, 
And snoov’t like ony whirly-gig; 
Which gars my jo aft grip my hand, 
Till his heart pitty-pattys, and— 
But laigh my qualities I bring, 
To stand up clashing wi’ a thing, 
