THE SWARA\ 

 queen draw near, and, scenting a rival, 

 appear disposed to attack her, the living 

 walls of the prison will at once tlv open ; 

 and the bees, forming a circle around the 

 two enemies, will eagerly watch the 

 strange duel that will ensue, though re- 

 maining sTrictl\- impartial, and taking no 

 share in it For it is written that against 

 a mother the sting may be dra^\^l by a 

 mother alone; only she who bears in her 

 flanks close on two million lives appears 

 to possess the right with one blow to 

 inflict close on two million deaths. 



But if the combar lasts too long, with- 

 out any result, if the circular weapons 

 g:lide harmlessh" over the heavy cuirasses, 

 if one of the queens appear anxious to 

 make her escape, then, be she the legiti- 



6 [81] 



