The Patent Monster Hive. 31 



Ask what your making." '"Why these blessed bees, 

 I find them creatures plaguey hard to please. 



"Plaguey! dont say so — they're a real pleasure," 

 "I love to watch them when I have the leisure;" 

 "Besides each scholar knows in antient days," 

 "How Maro sung his Uttle darlings praise." 

 "And when the Eoman legions brought alarm" 

 " To every inmate of his Mantuan farm, — " 

 "Smiling he stood, amidst his winged host;" 

 "The mailed warriors fled and left him at his post." 



"All this I know — Beekeeping would he charming," 

 "If there was never such a thing as swarming." 



"But grubs my friend ! your bees are sure to breed," 

 "Swarms come from grubs, as corn crops come from seed." 

 "Grubs you must have; and when your swarming's done," 

 "Two hives you'll find, where erst you had but one." 



"Bother the grubs; I know a better way," 



"My patent monster hives, they are the things to pay." 



