surprise, the wasp, after one or two ineffectual efforts, flew
in rather lopsided fashion to the window. It then buzzed about
for at least a quarter of an hour, eventually flying out at
the top ... it was vigorous when it flew away."--_Extract from
an Evening Paper._

The Benefit of Humour in Philosophers can always do more
Philosophy. Assisted by a sense of humour:
Witness the droll experiment
Of this same scientific gent.
For he, his frugal breakfast finishing,
(The eggs and bacon fast diminishing)
Noted how o'er his marmalade
A Wasp was buzzing undismayed.
General Reflection: We all are apt to be inhosp-
Attitude of Man towards Itable to the humble Wasp--
the Wasp. That Ishmael of domestic insects,
The terror of the feminine sex!
The Philosopher shares And our Philosopher, though cool,
the prevailing Prejudice. Was no exception to the rule.
His Method. He let it settle on his plate;
He poised a knife above--like Fate.
The Blow falls. Next--with a sudden flash it drops
Right on that unsuspecting Wopse!
Which, unprepared by previous omen,
A Tragic Meeting. Awestruck, confronts its own abdomen!
And sees its once attached tail-end dance
A brisk _pas-seul_ of independence!
A pang more bitter than before racks
Dignified Behaviour of That righteously indignant thorax,
the Wopse. As proudly (yet with perfect taste)
It turns its back upon its waist,
And seeks, though life must all begin new,
"Business as usual" to continue!
A Philosopher's Remorse. The Man of Science felt his heart
Prick him with self-accusing smart,
To see that ineffectual torso
Go fluttering about the floor so;
The Uses of a Scientific A wasp for flight is too lopsided.
Education. So, with remorsefulness acute,