For where 's the state beneath the firmament That doth excel the bees for government?

For where 's the state beneath the firmament
That doth excel the bees for government?
-- Du Bartas (1544-1590)
-- Divine Weekes and Workes, Fifth Day, Part i

Related:

• The will for deed I doe accept. -- Du Bartas (1544-1590) -
  Divine Weekes and Workes, Second Week, Third Day, Part...
• Soft carpet-knights, all scenting musk and amber. -
  Du Bartas (1544-1590) -- Divine Weekes and Workes...
• Will change the pebbles of our puddly thought To orient pearls.
  Du Bartas (1544-1590) -- Divine Weekes and Workes...
• In the jaws of death. -- Du Bartas (1544-1590) --
  Divine Weekes and Workes, Second Week, First Day, Part...
• With tooth and nail. -- Du Bartas (1544-1590) -- Divine Weekes and Workes,
  Second...
• Sweet grave aspect. -- Du Bartas (1544-1590) -- Divine Weekes and Workes,
  Second Week, Fourth Day, Book...
• Not that the earth doth yield In hill or dale, in forest or in field,
  A rarer plant. -- Du Bartas (1544-1590) -- Divine...
• Apoplexie and lethargie, As forlorn hope, assault the enemy.
  Du Bartas (1544-1590) -- Divine Weekes and Workes...
• Did thrust as now in others' corn his sickle. -- Du Bartas (1544-1590) -
  Divine Weekes and Workes, Second Week, Second Day,...