ii6 THE LORE OF THE HONEY-BEE 



the weapons of the common herd. She is to die, 

 but her death must be brought about in another 

 way. And so the fawning executioners gather 

 round her, locking her in an embrace that tightens 

 with every moment, until the breath is literally 

 hugged out of her body. All her life has been 

 spent in the midst of caresses, and now she is to 

 die of them, close held to the last in that silent, 

 terrible grip. 



