THE FIRST FLIGHT IN SPRING. 25 3 



See how busily they traverse 



To their pasturage and back. 

 That they may by toil unwearied 



Save the commonwealth from wrack. 



Look, O look, what loads of pollen 



Bring they in with heedful care. 

 Nurslings, fear not ; for your cravings 



Here's sufficient and to spare. 



How they dart and how they hurtle 



Through the genial balmy air ! 

 To the mountains — to the meadows — 



'Tis the scent attracts them there. 



There they dexterously rifle 



Nectar from each flow'r in bloom. 

 Toil they for our honey-harvest. 



For us fill the honey-room. 



Yes, our bees, our darling darlings. 



We salute you all to-day j 

 For your life is our enjoyment — ■ 



Winter's sleep has pass'd away. 



Grant prosperity, O Heaven ! 



To the new-born honey-year — 

 Give thy favour — give thy blessing — 



To these objects of our care. 



Now let each attentive guardian 



In devoted service strive 

 For the proud, the matron-monarch — 



Sov'reign of the honey-hive. 



