A King Bee

The king of Poland is in all his public functions like a king of bees, who only brings his subjects honey. […] He has no sting whatsoever, as the lives, personal freedoms and property of the nobility are are completely outside the scope of his power.

Michael Wyscionsky [sic] received the Polish royal crown from the people, becuase during the royal election a swarm ofbees sat on him.

When Prince Michael Korybut Wisniowiecki […] rode to the election field at Wola outisde Warsaw, he was accompanied, as well as by his numerous retinue, by a mighty swarm of bees all the way to the place where the primate of Poland proclaimed him king. It was seen as an auspicious omen, which would subsequently come true.

In the crown which graced the heads of Polish kings there is a diamond bee. It is supposed to remind the rulers that all virtues are to be found in a healthy and energetic* bee state.

There was one more event, which was taken as to foretell a happy* future; during the vote, a swarm of spring bees arrived from the east and settled among the nobles of Łęczyca Palatinate. And they were so gentle that when they dispersed, they bit no one and they soon flew out of sight. It was somehting to congratulate the king for, an excitement to hope for a felicitous fate.

This swarm confirms our verdict by auspicious omen, Of good fortune foretelling a new golden era; For when bees industrious around your name cluster, Your King Michael, o Poland, brings honey aplenty.