A LUCK-BRINGING GRASSHOPPER
In Tuscany, if this insect comes into a child’s room whilst asleep, it is the mother’s duty to attach the grasshopper by a thread to the child’s bed to bring good fortune. The grasshopper is shown in the right-hand corner.
As the child grows older, and learns to talk, he is instructed in the truth of the matter, and taught by heart the following verses, which he must repeat whenever he sees a Cavalletta:—
“I am but little, as you see,
But yet I may a genius be;
And if, when grown, I shall be great
And make a name in Church and State,
I’ll not forget that one fine day,