Alciato's Book of Emblems

Emblem 112

Sometimes sweet things become bitter

Having left his mother far off, the Lydian child went off some way. But you, cruel bees, attacked him. He came to you, thinking you were gentle birds, yet a cruel viper would not be so vicious. Ah, you give stings in exchange for the gift of sweet honey; alas, o pain, no favour is given without you.