The Life of the Bee 
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 dis- 
turbs them, and affect to ignore its exist- 
ence, 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 _peace- 
ful. 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, how- 
ever, 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 
128 
