I think, however, that the symbolism in the following verses will interest you--especially when we comment upon them.

The composition from which they are taken is entitled "A Conservative." The poet, walking in the garden one morning, sees a butterfly, very unhappy, and gifted with power to express the reason of its unhappiness.
The butterfly says, complaining of its wings, "My legs are thin and few Where once I had a swarm! Soft fuzzy fur--a joy to view-- Once kept my body warm, Before these flapping wing-things grew, To hamper and deform!" At that outrageous bug I shot The fury of mine eye; Said I, in scorn all burning hot, In rage and anger high, "You ignominious idiot! Those wings are made to fly!" "I do not want to fly," said he, "I only want to squirm!" And he drooped his wings dejectedly, But still his voice was firm: "I do not want to be a fly! I want to be a worm!" O yesterday of unknown lack! To-day of unknown bliss! I left my fool in red and black, The last I saw was this,-- The creature madly climbing back Into his chrysalis.
Of course the wings here represent the powers of the mind--knowledge, reason, will.

Men ought to use these in order to reach still nobler and higher states of life.

But there are men who refuse to use their best faculties for this end.

Such men are like butterflies who do not want to take the trouble to fly, but prefer the former condition of the caterpillar which does nothing but eat and sleep.