BEESj BEE-HIVESj AND BEE CULTUEE. 117 



See how busily they traverse 



To their pasturage and back, 

 That they may by toil unwearied 



Save the commonwealth from wrack. 



Look, 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 precious darlings, 



We salute you all to-day; 

 For your life is our enjoyment — 



Winter's sleep has pass'd away. 



Grant prosperity, 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 — 



SoVreign of the honey-hive. 



So that we may learn by watching 



Who that in the noon-tide glance, 

 Or in midnight's darkest moments. 



Summons her to Hymen's dance.* 



Ev'ry bee-hive calls for patience. 



Whilst great Hallek's lessons teach 

 Without patience Nature's secrets 



None successfully can reach. 



T. W. WooDBUEr, Momi Uadford, Exeter. 



* This point cannot now be considered doubtful, but it must be remembered that Herr 

 Braun's verses were written eighteen years ago. 



