HAPPY 



Then on I went to the place of the sunflowers, but 

 where once had been beautiful blossoms the green 

 grass waved in triumph. 



It seemed to me that a never-ending night followed 

 this excursion. I rested little or none ; back and forth 

 I raced from end to end of the hive, and from the en- 

 trance to my cell, which I had not forgotten. I passed 

 and re-passed the Queen-Mother at her tasks, touching 

 her reverently as one might touch the garment of a saint. 



At length the gray light broke along the horizon 

 and gleams of color pierced the low-lying clouds. My 

 time had come. I felt the call, and there was no 

 denying the command. 



For a moment I seemed in a maze. Round and 

 round I turned, like a child lost in the wilderness, then 

 made straight for the entrance, where already a few 

 of the hardier and younger workers were assembled, 

 waiting for the light. How restless they seemed ; how 

 they longed to be off in the world; how alluring the 

 unattained; how fascinating the great adventure of life ! 



As best I might, I have told my story, and here it 

 must end. I have striven; I have dreamed; and as 

 far as ever it comes to God's creatures, I have been 

 HAPPY. Farewell ! 



