Perambulations of a bee and a butterfly

Author Preface: The flattering pictures of men and manners, which are drawn in most of the present publications for youth, can alone be well applied, when they are considered not as what mankind are, but what they ought to be; and, indeed, we may search the world through before we find their likeness. Such is the simplicity of unguarded youth, that even when disappointed in their expectation of happiness from one quarter,[Pg x] they seek it in another equally fallacious; and, drawing all their ideas from fancied excellencies, fondly imagine, that while looking only for mental satisfaction, and the pleasures arising from friendship, rational society, and the exercises of humanity, they cannot be mistaken in the pursuit; though too often the frequent inconsistencies observable in those whom they have been led most to admire, excites a sigh of sad surprise, till from a more enlarged judgment, matured and exercised with a feeling sense of what they view, they[Pg xi] learn that continual and glaring absurdities are all the fruit produced in nature's soil. It is to open this lesson to them that the following pages are written, and with the hope that if Folly does not blind their eyes, and Prejudice (who, whichever way she turns, chooses to see things only through her own medium,) has not yet erected her throne in their breasts, they may receive even from the limited remarks of a Bee and a Butterfly a gentle hint or two of what they may expect to meet with in their[Pg xii] future walks through life; and thus warned of the strange contrarieties, perceivable in human nature, escape the additional pang their being totally unexpected would produce. CHAP. I. A young Bee, deceived by fine weather, leaves the Hive too early, and contrary to the advice and commands of his Mother?His sufferings and close confinement, the result of his disobedience: excites the compassion of a Butterfly?a friendship formed between them in consequence of it. CHAP. II. The Bee gets again on the wing?Is introduced by his friend to a field of cowslips?Interrupted by Children?Instance of vanity in the Butterfly?Conversation of the Bee and his Friend [Pg vi]as they return?He resolves to find his Hive. CHAP. III. The Bee out early in search of his former abode, accompanies the Butterfly to a bed of Tulips?Farther discovery of vanity in the latter?Children in pursuit of him?The Bee appears in his defence and commits a great outrage?He sees his Hive at a distance?His Joy on beholding it?His Return and Re-admission there?The consequence of a Bee in danger. CHAP. IV. The farther flights of the Bee and the Butterfly?Visit to a Cottage?Such abodes not always the dwelling of Peace?Disagreement between two Friends?The meanness of an Informer?The Bee's observation on their conduct?Regard to appearances observable in Creatures superior to the Butterfly?His triumph on perceiving it.