Samson’s Riddle

Samson was on an errand of love. He was interrupted by a lion, which he slew; for love is stronger than any lion. He gained his suit; but alas! everything went by contraries thereafter. The woman whom love was at first sweeter to him than honey, betrayed him. She was his lion. Whereas on his way to her he found that bees had possession of the real lion’s carcass, and had filled it with honey. And so, in the end the lion was better to him than his wife. – But how full of suggestions is this incident. Who would have looked for honey behind a lion’s paws? While he was yet roaring and striking at Samson, there seemed very little likelihood of his finding a honeyed meal in him. But if lions bravely slain yield such food, let them become emblems! The bee signifies industry among all nations; and honey is the ideal of sweetness. To-day war is upon us. A lion is in our path. But, being bravely met in its track shall industry settle, and we shall yet fetch honey from the carcass of war. H. W. Beecher.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, November 12, 1863