298 
HAPPY INSECTS. 
Their second period is passed under the earth,—in the shades,— 
where they sleep their chrysalis-like slumber. 
But when once they have quitted the place of sepulture, they are fully 
compensated for their previous abasement; a light aerial life, exempt 
from the bee’s incessant toil, and glorified by golden wings, such as the 
latter never boasts of, is bestowed upon them, with the gift, moreover, 
of gentle manners. Innocent, and without stings, they live their season 
of love under the sun and among the flowers. Far from blushing at 
their origin,—these noble Yirgilian bees!—they do not disdain the 
flowers of the cemetery, they keep company with the dead, and for 
the living collect that honey of the soul,—the hope of the future ! 
