“We loved him! we loved him!” cried the mourners.
“I wept like you,” said the Cardinal, “for our brother who is gone; yet, when I meet death face to face in the silkworm, my heart expands. ‘Go to the other world,’ I say, the better world; there the gates will open for the good, both high and low; there you will rejoin your lost loved ones in a land where flowers breathe an eternal fragrance; where the mulberries bordering the glassy streams are ever green. Ah, brothers, tell them to wait for us there, for to die is to be born to a better life!”
With these words the weeping ceased. The moon broke out, silvering the heath with a chaste glory.
The good insect added: “Go back to your homes; our brother has no longer need of you.”
Each of the mourners, after placing a flower on the grave, left the scene, feeling comforted.
DEAR READER,
We are now halfway on our journey, and feel confident that you will place confidence in us as your guides during the second part of our expedition. Be assured of this, while we lead you into the unknown regions of the animal kingdom, we are prepared to shield you from the dangers of contact with its uncivilised or purely savage races. At the same time, your well-known craving for all that is marvellous has been fully considered, and shall be duly gratified.
Our correspondents have sharpened their wits and pens, and are impatient to lay open a perfect mine of treasure.