Copyright © All rights reserved. Made by James Martin Sandbrook.

About The Butterfly and the Caterpillar

I read once of a dashing knight who longed to rescue his princess, who was imprisoned by a cruel enemy in the palace tower.

He devised a plan and recruited two small friends to send her a message.

First there was Claude Caterpillar, who was a hard-working fellow but crusty and sour.

He started inching his way up the wall toward the distant window, but it was hard work.

He grumbled that the sun was hot, causing him to sweat.

Then the sun withdrew behind a cloud, it started to rain, and he complained even louder about the raindrops.

Finally he heaved himself onto the window ledge, looked at the fair maiden, and said,

“Hey, you, come over here. Are you the lady in distress?”

She nodded.

Claude gave her the once-over and said, “You’re kidding.

You mean I climbed all the way up here for the likes of you?

Well, the knight says to get ready, he’s coming for you at 5 P.M. sharp. Think you can remember that, or should I repeat it?” And off he went.

Next, the brave and trustworthy knight sent Barney the Butterfly.

Barney, too, battled in the pouring rain and the wistful winds.

He had almost made it to the window when a bird came by and nearly ate him alive.

But finally he fluttered in, landing softly on the lady’s finger.

“Lovely and favoured maiden,” he said, “the white knight loves you dearly, and tonight he is coming to rescue you.

He asks only that you be ready at 5 P.M.”

The princess smiled and replied, “Thank you very much, Mr. Butterfly. You are very sweet, and I will be ready tonight when he comes.

Claude Caterpillar already brought me the message, but tell me, why was he so disagreeable? He brought me the same news, but after he left, I felt worse than before he came.”

The butterfly replied, “Oh, you mean Claude? Well, don’t mind Claude. That’s just the way he is. I used to be that way, too, until I was transformed.”

- Author Unknown.