232 THE LIFE OF THE BEE 



flame, and, certain of having fulfilled our organic duty, prepare 

 ourselves thus for w^hatever befall. Let us nourish this flame on 

 our feelings and passions, on all that we see and think, that we 

 hear and touch, on its own essence, which is the idea it derives 

 from the discoveries, experience, and observation that result 

 from its every movement. A time will then come when all 

 things will turn so naturally to good in a spirit that has given 

 itself to the loyal desire of this simple, human duty, that the 

 very suspicion of the possible aimlessness of its exhausting effort 

 will only render the duty the clearer ; will only add more purity, 

 power, disinterestedness, and freedom to the ardour with which 

 it still seeks. 



