The Massacre of the Males 
the vulgar. One by one they sail off into 
space, irresistible, glorious, and tranquilly 
make for the nearest flowers, where they 
sleep till the afternoon freshness awake 
them. Then, with the same majestic pomp, 
and still overflowing with magnificent 
schemes, they return to the hive, go straight 
to the cells, plunge their head to the neck 
in the vats of honey, and fill themselves 
tight as a drum to repair their exhausted 
strength ; whereupon, with heavy steps, they 
go forth to meet the good, dreamless, and 
careless slumber that shall fold them in its 
embrace till the time for the next repast. 
97 
But the patience of the bees is not equal 
to that of men. One morning the long- 
expected word of command goes through 
the hive; and the peaceful workers turn 
into judges and executioners. Whence this 
word issues we know not; it would seem to 
emanate suddenly from the cold, deliberate, 
indignation of the workers; and no sooner 
has it been uttered than every heart throbs 
285 
