The Life of the Bee 



future. When we discover a cause as 

 disinterested for the folHes of men, we are 

 apt to call them by another name. 



[44] 



However, the whole truth must be told. 

 In the midst of the marvels of their indus- 

 try, their policy, their sacrifice, one thing 

 exists that must always check and weaken 

 our admiration ; and this is the indifference 

 with which they regard the misfortunes or 

 death of their comrades. There is a 

 strange duality in the character of the 

 bee. In the heart of the hive all help 

 and love each other. They are as united 

 as the good thoughts that dwell in the 

 same soul. Wound one of them, and 

 a thousand will sacrifice themselves to 

 avenge its injury. But outside the hive 

 they no longer recognise each other. 

 Mutilate them, crush them, — or rather, 

 do nothing of the kind ; it would be a 

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