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 
154 
