The Life of the Bee 



thus form a sort of living prison wherein 

 the captive is unable to move ; and in 

 this prison they will keep her for twenjy- 

 four hours, if need be, till the victim die 

 of suffocation or hunger. 



But if, at this moment, the legitimate 

 queen draw near, and, scenting a rival, 

 appear disposed to attack her, the living 

 walls of the prison will at once fly open ; 

 and the bees, forming a circle around the 

 two enemies, will eagerly watch the strange 

 duel that will ensue, though remaining 

 strictly impartial, and taking no share in 

 it. For it is written that against a mother 

 the sting may be drawn 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 combat last too long, without 

 any result, if the circular weapons glide 

 harmlessly over the heavy cuirasses, if one 

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