Hark! what is so gaily humming
In the little garden there?
Hark! what is so briskly whizzing
Through the still and silent air?
Friend, it is our bees—the darlings—
Now enliven'd by the spring;
Yes, the winter is departed,
And once more they're on the wing.
Happy he, who winter's perils
All his stocks brings safely through;
Thank Him, of all good the Giver—
Faithful Watchman He, and true.
Of my own are none departed,
All as yet unhurt remain;
Though no longer rich in honey,
Yet is spring returned again!
Come, and let us view them nearer—
Enter by the garden gate;—
So—stand still and watch their doings—
Light your pipe, and patient wait.
See how busily they traverse
To their pasturage and back,
That they may by toil unwearied
Save the commonwealth from wrack.
Look, O look, what loads of pollen
Bring they in with heedful care.
Nurslings, fear not; for your cravings
Here's sufficient and to spare.
How they dart and how they hurtle
Through the genial balmy air!
To the mountains—to the meadows—
'Tis the scent attracts them there.
There they dexterously rifle
Nectar from each flow'r in bloom.
Toil they for our honey-harvest,
For us fill the honey-room.
Yes, our bees, our darling darlings,
We salute you all to-day;
For your life is our enjoyment—
Winter's sleep has pass'd away.
Grant prosperity, O Heaven!
To the new-born honey-year—
Give thy favour—give thy blessing—
To these objects of our care.
Now let each attentive guardian
In devoted service strive
For the proud, the matron-monarch—
Sov'reign of the honey-hive.
So that we may learn by watching
Who that in the noon-tide glance,
Or in midnight's darkest moments,
Summons her to Hymen's dance.
[29]
Ev'ry bee-hive calls for patience,
Whilst great Haller's lessons teach
Without patience Nature's secrets
None successfully can reach.