The insect enters upon life naked and necessitous, [99]

But all its wants have been carefully anticipated, [100]

Night, however, is the great protection of the embryo, [101]

How it endeavours to guard against cold, [102]

In its necessities originate its various industries, [103]

After a time comes its season of trial, [104]

Of which it exhibits a marvellous presentiment, and for which it assiduously prepares, [105]

CHAPTER VI.—THE MUMMY, NYMPH, OR CHRYSALIS.

The meaning of the insect to the ancient Egyptians, [109]

The beetle was regarded as a symbol of Eternity, [110]