The Bear Among The Bees In spring, the beasts, perhaps with thoughts of nectar, Appoint a surly bear of beehives their inspector, Such officer alert to be and true.

Bruin's for honey over eager, Of honesty but meagre; Yet brutes possess a curious point of view.

The post, although enthralling, Does not suit everyone, And so, in fun, The bear assumes the calling.

But harm is done; Since Bruin, in his den, the honeycombs collected Until the beasts, by rage affected, For law pronounced it an affair.

Ere long, much nettled, The judges settled, The wicked rogue should spend the winter in his lair.

Many are here of justice lovers, Yet none the stolen combs recovers From one that evil boldly perpetrates So, long the happy self disporter.

In his warm comfortable quarter, Calmly his taste for honey sates; An expedition new awaits.