The Life of the Bee 



seeing that they are wholly untroubled by 

 the death that is scattered about them, and 

 they have not the slightest sense of soli- 

 darity 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 the world. Outside 

 the hive, they display extreme condescen- 

 sion and forbearance. They will avoid 

 whatever disturbs them, and affect to ig- 

 nore its existence, so long as it come not 

 too close ; as though aware that this uni- 

 verse belongs to all, that each one has his 

 place there, 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 

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