And creep within their bells to suck the balmy seed.
In that Bœotian old savage, Hesiod,[[1193]] however, we undoubtedly find mention of the hive where he is uncourteously comparing women to drones—
As when within their well-roofed hives the bees
Maintain the mischief-working drones at ease,
Their task pursuing till the golden sun
Down to the western wave his course hath run,
Filling their shining combs, while snug within
Their fragrant cells, the drones, with idle din,
As princes revel o’er their unpaid bowls,
On others’ labours cheer their worthless souls.