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A Bear roamed the woods in search of berries. He happened upon a fallen tree in which a swarm of bees had stashed their honey. The Bear began to nose around the log very, very carefully to see if the Bees were at home.

Just then one of the swarm happened home from the berry patch with a load of sweet pollen. Guessing what the Bear was after, the Bee flew at him, stung him sharply. Then he disappeared into the hollow log.

The Bear lost his temper and sprang upon the log attacking tooth and claw, hoping to destroy the nest, but this only brought out the whole swarm. The poor Bear took to his heels and ran. He only saved himself by diving into the nearby stream.

The weakest united may make for a strong alliance of protection. Overlooking the fact that many bees united can make even the strongest creature uncomfortable, it would be wiser to bear a single injury in silence than to provoke a thousand by flying into a rage.

Note: No animals were actually stung in the telling of this fable.