A SWARM OF BEES

B hopeful, B happy, B cheerful, B kind,

B busy of body, B modest of mind,

B earnest, B truthful, B firm and B fair…

B watchful, B ready, B open, B frank,

B manly to all men, whatever B their rank;

B just and B generous, B honest, B wise…

B temperate, B steadfast, to anger B slow.

B thoughtful, B thankful, whate’er may B tide…

B pleasant, B patient, B fervent to all,

B best if you can, but B humble withal.

B prompt and B dutiful, still B polite;

B reverent, B quiet, and B sure and B right…

B grateful, B cautious of those who B tray.

B tender, B loving, B good and B nign,

B loved thou shalt B, and all else B thine.

“A Swarm of Bees”

The British Bee Journal, and Bee Keeper’s Adviser, 

February 1st, 1882