4 Maccabees 14:18

¹⁶Others build their nests, and hatch their young, in the tops of mountains and in the precipices of valleys, and the holes and tops of trees, and keep off the intruder.

¹⁷And if not able to do this, they fly circling round them in agony of affection, calling out in their own note, and save their offspring in whatever manner they are able.

— 4 Maccabees 14:18 —

¹⁹The very bees, at the season of honey making, attack all who approach; and pierce with their sting, as with a sword, those who draw near their hive, and repel them even unto death.

²⁰But sympathy with her children did not turn aside the mother of the young men, who had a spirit kindred with that of Abraham.