This page features a video of the poem “The Bees”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 8th Standard English First Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
So work the honey-bees,
Creatures that by a rule in Nature, teach
The art of order to a peopled kingdom
They have a king, and officers of sorts;
Where some, like magistrates, correct at home;
Others like merchants, venture trade abroad;
Others, like soldiers armed in their stings,
Make a boot upon the summer’s velvet buds;
Which pillage they with merry mirth bring home
To the tent-royal of their emperor;
Who, busied in his majesty, surveys
The singing masons building roofs of gold;
The civil citizens kneading-up the honey;
The poor mechanic porters crowding-in:
Their heavy burdens at his is narrow gate;
The sad-eyed justice, with his surly hum,
Delivering o’er to executors pale
The lazy yawning drone.
Creatures that by a rule in Nature, teach
The art of order to a peopled kingdom
They have a king, and officers of sorts;
Where some, like magistrates, correct at home;
Others like merchants, venture trade abroad;
Others, like soldiers armed in their stings,
Make a boot upon the summer’s velvet buds;
Which pillage they with merry mirth bring home
To the tent-royal of their emperor;
Who, busied in his majesty, surveys
The singing masons building roofs of gold;
The civil citizens kneading-up the honey;
The poor mechanic porters crowding-in:
Their heavy burdens at his is narrow gate;
The sad-eyed justice, with his surly hum,
Delivering o’er to executors pale
The lazy yawning drone.
Summary
The poem presents the society of honey-bees as an organized kingdom governed by a natural system of order. The bees have different roles, including a king, officials, merchants, soldiers, workers, and porters. Some travel outside to gather resources, while others protect the community or prepare honey. Each bee performs its assigned duty, allowing the entire society to function efficiently. The poem compares their activities to those of an organized human kingdom. It highlights the importance of order, cooperation, division of work, and responsibility.
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