A QUESTION OF RELATIONSHIP 293 



So the bee 



Bears off her booty, straight without inquiring 



In ethical propriety. 



Into the sea of bloom, just buccaneering 



She goes unfearing, 



And all sweet spoil makes gladly her possession. 



Or cares a fig if this be thought transgression. 



Oh! beautiful bee, Carniolan, Caucasian, 



Italian, or bee from the land of the palm, 



Partake of the nectar and harvest the balm, 



Come, and no hand shall resist your invasion. 



From May to October hum 



Over the scented lea, 



Come with your frolicsome, 



Gladsome, contented glee. 



Come, with the shine, and the color and glow 



Of spring's fairest day, 



Until the soft bloom of the golden rod blow 



Honey bee stay. 



Oh ! happiest rover, 



Careering sweet comer, 



Bright knight of the clover 



And soul of the summer! 



A Question of Relationship 



I. R. 



The earthworm, though it was quite pained 

 On being cut in two, 

 Shed not a tear in vain regret, 

 As fool things often do, 

 But prompt began his parts to mend, 

 Without a great ado, 

 And very soon the earth was blessed 

 With not one worm, but two. 



For only tail the head end lacked 

 To make it whole again, 

 And only head the tail end took 

 With segments and a brain. 

 Now when they meet in daily toil 

 They quarrel not, the twain, 

 Nor try to settle which is who, 

 For, clearly, 'tis not plain. 



