Their Language. 117 
In the year 1717. one of my fwarms fettling among 
the clofe-twilled branches of a codling-tree, and not to 
be got into an hive without help, my maid-fervant be- 
ing in the garden, offered her affiftance, to hold ih hive 
while I diflodged the Byes. | 
_ Having never been acquainted with Bees, fhe put a 
Jinnen cloth over her head and fhoulders, to guard and 
fecure her from their fwords. A few of the Bees fell 
into the hive ; fome upon the ground ; but the main bo- | 
dy upon the cloth which covered her upper garments. 
I took the hive out of her hands, when fhe cried 
out, the Bees were got under the covering, crouding up 
towards her breaft and face ; which put her into a trem- 
_ bling pofture. When I perceived the veil was of no 
further fervice, fhe gave me leave to remove it. This 
done, a moft affecting fpectacle prefented itfelf tothe 
view of al] the company, filling me with the deepeft dif- 
trefs and concern, as I thought myfelf the unhappy in- 
ftrument of drawing her into fo imminent hazard of 
her life. | 
Had fhe enraged them, all refiftance had been in vain, 
and nothing lefs than her life would have atoned for 
the offence. | | 
I {pared not to urge all the arguments I could think 
of, and ufe the moft affectionate intreaties, begging her 
with all earneftnefs in my power, to ftand her ground, 
and keep her prefent pofture ; in order to which, T gave 
her encouragement to hope for a full difcharge from 
her difagreeable companions. 
H2 I began 
