The Ardent Swarm

by Yamen Manai

And thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills on trees, and in [men’s] habitations; Then to eat of all the produce [of the earth], and find with skill the spacious Paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought Quran, “The Bee,” 16:68–69

Like most things in the world of men, democracy was principally a question of money, and the prince had plenty.

“What you lose in strength, you gain in clear-sightedness. The trick is to reach the age of wisdom while you’re still strong enough to do things.”