TO THE BEES.
FROM THE GREEK OF ZONAS.
Ye nimble, honey-making bees,
The flowers are in their prime;
Come, now, and taste the little buds
Of sweetly breathing thyme;
Of tender poppies all so fair,
Or bits of raisin sweet,
Or down that decks the apple tribe,
Or fragrant violet:
Come, nibble on, your vessels store
With honey while you can,
In order that the hive-protecting,
Bee-preserving Pan
May have a tasting for himself;
And that the hand so rude,
That cuts away the combs, may leave
For yourselves a little food.
Translation of W. Hay