HOLLYHOCK AND HER VISITOR. 53 



THE HOLLYHOCK AND HER 

 VI SITOR. 



A LARGE bumble-bee often visited a stately 

 hollyhock. He lingered in the deep red cup 

 that she made for him, and talked busily with 

 her. The neighboring flowers heard the full 

 tones of his voice, but could not distinguish 

 his words. 



At length, a tall larkspur bent her ear, and 

 listening closely, understood him to say, &quot; I am 

 very rich. I have gathered much pollen. I 

 store it in a large wax palace, which I shall 

 fill with honey. None of the bumble-bees in 

 the village can compare with me.&quot; 



&quot; Oh, it must make you very happy,&quot; an 

 swered the hollyhock, &quot; that when any poor, 

 sick bees come and ask relief, you will have 

 plenty for them, as well as yourself.&quot; 



&quot; 1 cannot undertake to feed them&quot; he re 

 plied. &quot; Every one must provide for himself. 

 I worked hard to get what is mine. Let others 

 go and do the same.&quot; 



