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94 the pious mantis OF ALL THE CREATURES of the forest, there was none so devout as the female mantis. She would sit all day, her forefeet pressed together , her neck lifted toward heaven, while she said her prayers. The other insects considered her piety all the more praiseworthy because of the tragic life she had led, for hardly had she found a mate to share her love and keep her company than he died oddly, not long afterwards ; then, one day the beetle made a discovery, and when next the mantis was in the mood for love, the other insects hid themselves and watched. [ 188 ] They saw her pause in her prayers at the exact instant her new mate approached and embraced her; then lowering her eyes from her contemplation of heaven, she turned meekly and chewed off his head. When this was accomplished, the mantis settled herself comfortably on her leaf and lifted her neck in an attitude of prayer, for there is no creature more cruel in her heart than a pious woman. ...... ....." ... .. .. " , " , '. ~ ' ' \ ' . 0 0 • . . , • ., ... -,.... ....,. '" .. ... ", .. ( \ ... ..'.,., • .4o, . ... .., , ....~ . ..,-. \ ,l. '. r.' .,. .. •I. ., ., • .-'- , , ... .' .0 .\ ...

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