The Bee

Book Title: Partheneia sacra ; or, The mysterious and delicious garden of the sacred parthens : symbolically set forth and enriched with pious devises and emblemes for the entertainement of devout soules ; contriued al to the honour of the incomparable virgin Maire / by H. A.

Author: Hawkins, Henry, 1571?-1646

Image Title: The Bee

Description: A single bee is surrounded by a wreath of flowers. There is a Latin inscription reads OPEROSA ET SEDULA (“labor and industry”). The author sees labor and industry as strength and nimbleness, which are necessary to accomplish anything and sees these qualities combined in the Virgin Mary. The bee represents Mary in that it too combines labor and industry.

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