"Yet, madame, a few moments ago you were happy to meet the great artist who designed the dome you so much admired, were you not?"
"Indeed, the meeting caused me great pleasure, I assure you."
"I believe you also approve me for inviting him, as well as many of his colleagues, to the inauguration of their united work?"
"The invitation certainly seemed almost a duty on your part, monsieur."
"Well, madame, this duty, inspired by gratitude, I have fulfilled toward all who have contributed to the construction of this house, from the greatest artist to the most humble workman. All are here with their families, to enjoy the splendors they have created. Is it not just that the skillful and obscure man who chiseled the golden cup should moisten his lips in it, once, at least, in his life?"
"What!" cried the duke in stupefaction, "these are carpenters, gilders, blacksmiths, paper-hangers, ebonists, masons!—even masons! Why, it is absurd, impossible, incredible!"
"My dear duke, do you know the habits of the bees?" queried Florestan.
"Very little," replied the duke stiffly.
"Their habits are most savage and impertinent, my dear duke. Those insolent creatures—under the fabulous pretext that they have constructed their hives—have the impudence to inhabit them. And, what is more shocking still, they claim their right to the sweet honey on which they have so steadily and intelligently labored through the season—"
"Well, and what do you conclude from that?"