A BEE from Mount Hymettus, the queen of the hive, ascended1 to

　　Olympus to present Jupiter some honey fresh from her combs.

　　Jupiter, delighted with the offering of honey, promised to give

　　whatever she should ask. She therefore besought2 him, saying,

　　"Give me, I pray thee, a sting, that if any mortal shall approach

　　to take my honey, I may kill him." Jupiter was much displeased,

　　for he loved the race of man, but could not refuse the request

　　because of his promise. He thus answered the Bee: "You shall

　　have your request, but it will be at the peril3 of your own life.

　　For if you use your sting, it shall remain in the wound you make,

　　and then you will die from the loss of it."

　　Evil wishes, like chickens, come home to roost.