322 The Honey-Makers 



A far more pious use was made of their stings in the case 

 of Saint Medard : — 



" When a thief by night had stolen Saint Medard's bees, 

 the bees in their master's quarrel, leaving their hive, set 

 upon the malefactor ; and eagerly pursuing him which way 

 soever he ran, would not cease stinging of him, until they 

 had made him (whether he would or not) to go back again 

 to their master's house ; and there falling prostrate at his 

 feet, submissively to cry him mercy for the crime committed. 

 Which being done, so soon as the saint extended unto him 

 the hand of benediction, the bees, like obedient servants, 

 did forthwith stay from persecuting him, and yielded them- 

 selves to the ancient possession and custody of their 

 master." 



In a book of songs used by the Moravians the wound in 

 the side of the Saviour is compared to a rose ; and he who 

 derives love and devotion from contemplating the wounds 

 of the self-sacrificing Christ is compared to the bee which 

 sucks the honey from the rose. 



" Ye green branch, ye noble scion, 

 Ye honey rich flower, 

 Ye open paradise, 

 Grant my prayer. 

 Let my soul be a little bee 

 Upon the rose of thy wound I 

 Ah, ah, how sweet is this dew, 

 Flow lovely to my soul I 

 How good to be upon such a meadow, 

 In such a flower cup ! 

 Let me ever be a little bee 

 Upon the rose of thy wound." 



And again, 



" O Lord Jesus, give to me gifts 

 Such as the wise bees have. 

 Since I have reconciled myself to thee 



