Poetical Works of Richard Watson; With a Brief Sketch of the Author - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 edition. Excerpt: ...They are, as sure as I'm alive, A casting from some neighbouring hive And will delicious honey make, They are a prize, and no mistake." "Well, well," said Bob, "you may be right, Though what I know of bees is slight, And such as these I never saw; They may be wild, for ought we know." "Pooh, pooh," said John, "wild bees indeed! Say rather, of an improved breed; They're ours, and therefore we'll contrive To get them safely in a hive. Howgill is near, and I'm sure We there can what we want procure, And if you here awhile will stay, E I'll go, and not be long away." So saying, on his errand bent, lake a roused hare, away he went. Nor did Bob long alone remain, John, sweating, soon came back again With a new straw hive snug and nice, And rum and sugar, to entice The insect tribe to quit the tree, So that they well secured might be. To make things sure, he also brought One Hutch, a beekeeper of note, Who saw how matters stood at once, When up the tree he took a glance. As he wished not to spoil the joke, He, smiling, to the greenhorns spoke--"You are right lucky men indeed! This swarm is of a noted breed, But newly introduced, and rare, And therefore must be treat with care. They're named "Hornetta Rega Lascar," Brought from the Isle of Madagascar. Stand back! I think t'would be as well Let them the rum and sugar smell, Which, when they taste, they'll be so glad They'll rush into the hive like mad." With these remarks he took his leave, And went off, laughing in his sleeve. Long did the silly men remain Watching beside the tree in vain, Until the evening's dusky veil Began to spread o'er hill and dale. Perplexed, and in no pleasant mood, They cursed the stupid insect brood, Which...