THE FOUNDATION OF THE CITY 85 



of distress that arise all around. And when the comb is 

 empty, their anxiety that nothing shall be lost, their eager- 

 ness to gather the honey which clings to the victims, will 

 induce them tranquilly to climb over dead and dying, 

 unmoved by the presence of the first, and never dreaming 

 of helping the others. In this case, therefore, they have 

 no notion of the danger they run, seeing that they are 

 wholly untroubled by the death that is scattered about 

 them ; and they have not the slightest sense of solidarity 

 or pity. As regards the danger, the explanation lies ready 

 to hand ; the bees know not the meaning of fear, and, 

 with the exception only of smoke, are afraid of nothing 

 in this world. Outside the hive, they display extreme 

 condescension and forbearance. They will avoid whatever 

 disturbs them, and affect to ignore its existence, so long as 

 it come not too close ; as though aware that this universe 

 belongs to all, that each one has his place therein, and 

 must needs be discreet and peaceful. But beneath this 

 indulgence is quietly hidden a heart so sure of itself that 

 it never dreams of protesting. If they are threatened, they 

 will alter their course, but never attempt to escape. In 

 the hive, however, they will not confine themselves to this 

 passive ignoring of peril. They will spring with incredible 

 fury on any living thing, ant or lion or man, that dares 

 to profane the sacred ark. This we may term anger, 

 ridiculous obstinacy, or heroism, according as our mind 

 be disposed. 



But of their want of solidarity outside the hive, and 

 even of sympathy within it, I can find nothing to say. 

 Are we to believe that each form of intellect possesses its 



