Fytte V. the Patent Monster Hive
Adverse events reveal the real man,
So Horace wrote, refute this truth who can.
And John Dull to its full completion wrought
The inspiration of his sudden thought.
“Room for the swarm!” This is great Nature’s law,
And so he built two monstrous hives of straw.—
“Good morning neighbour” from across the fence
Cried out Dick Dean. “May I without offence”
“Ask what your making.” “Why these blessed bees,”
“I find them creatures plaguey hard to please.”
“Plaguey! dont say so—they’re a real pleasure,”
“I love to watch them when I have the leisure;”
“Besides each scholar knows in antient days,”
“How Maro sung his little darlings praise.”
“And when the Roman legions brought alarm”
“To every inmate of his Mantuan farm,—”
“Smiling he stood, amidst his winged host;”
“The mailed warriors fled and left him at his post.”
“All this I know—Beekeeping would be charming,”
“If there was never such a thing as swarming.”
“But grubs my friend! your bees are sure to breed,”
“Swarms come from grubs, as corn crops come from seed.”
“Grubs you must have; and when your swarming’s done,”
“Two hives you’ll find, where erst you had but one.”
“Bother the grubs; I know a better way,”
“My patent monster hives, they are the things to pay.”