tons of a kind of little fly； called an ephemera； whose successive generations； we were told； were bred and expired within the day。 I happened to see a living pany of them on a leaf； who appeared to be engaged in conversation。 You know I understand all the inferior animal tongues。 My too great application to the study of them is the best excuse I can give for the little progress I have made in your charming language。 I listened through curiosity to the discourse of these little creatures； but as they； in their national vivacity； spoke three or four together； I could make but little of their conversation。 I found； however； by some broken expressions that I heard now and then； they were disputing warmly on the merit of two foreign musicians； one a cousin； the other a moscheto； in which dispute they spent their time； seemingly as regardless of the shortness of life as if they had been sure of living a month。 Happy people！ Thought I： you are certainly under a wise； just； and mild government； since you have no public grievances to plain of； nor any subject of contention but the perfections and imperfections of foreign music。 I turned my head from them to an old gray…headed one； who was single on another leaf； and talking to himself。 Being amused with his soliloquy； I put it down in writing； in hopes it will likewise amuse her to whom I am so much indebted for the most pleasing of all amusements； her delicious pany and heavenly harmony。
“It was；” said he； “the opinion of