The Bee and Jupiter

A Bee from Mount Hymettus, the queen of the hive, ascended to Olympus, to present to Jupiter some honey fresh from her combs. Jupiter, delighted with the offering of honey, promised to give whatever she should ask. She therefore besought 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 much the race of man; but could not refuse the request on account of his promise. He thus answered the Bee: "You shall have your request; but it will be at the peril 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.

From The Bee and Jupiter by Aesop, translated by George Fyler Townsend (1867). Public domain.

Check your understanding

1. Why is Jupiter displeased with the Bee's request?

He does not like the taste of her honey.He cares about human beings and does not want them killed.He thinks the Bee is too small to have a weapon.He wants to keep the sting for himself.

2. What does the word 'besought' most likely mean as it is used in the passage?

Asked earnestlyAngrily demandedQuietly whisperedJokingly suggested

3. How does Jupiter's attitude toward the Bee change from the beginning of the story to the end? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

4. Based on Jupiter's response, what is the consequence of the Bee's wish?

5. The author ends the story by saying, 'Evil wishes, like chickens, come home to roost.' What does this phrase mean in the context of what happens to the Bee?