MORE ABOUT WHAT THE BEES DO. 103 



Which pillage they with merry march bring home 



To the tent royal of their emperor : 



Who, buried in his majesty, surveys 



The singing masons building roofs of gold. 



The civil citizens kneading up the honey, 



The poor mechanic porters crowding in 



Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate. 



The sad-eyed justice, with his surly hum. 



Delivering o'er to executors pale 



The lazy yawning drone.' 



King Henry V., Act i., Sc. 2. 



I also, in a previous chapter, endeavoured to 

 explain some of the reasons of the form in which 

 they build the comb — how marvellously they make 

 it just in that shape, and in that way, which gives the 

 greatest strength and capacity, with the least material 

 and space. 



What more is there to say of their work ? Well, 

 a great deal more might be said, and I must pass over 

 many things. I will, however, mention a few facts of 

 interest — first of all, respecting their work in the fields 

 and gardens, and then of their work in the hive. 



First, then, of their work abroad. 



' The winter banish'd and the heavens reveal'd. 

 In summer light, they range the woods, the lawns, 

 They sip the purple flowers, they skim the streams ; 

 Soon urged by strange emotions of delight 

 To cherish nest and young.' 



Virgil (by Kennedy). 



It is a question often asked, 'How far will bees go 

 from their hives in order to find, and bring home, the 

 honey.'' I dare say you will like to know, and I am 

 sure that what I have to say will surprise you, and 



