Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
* "And kill the bees..." This refers to the act of destroying or harming something valuable.
* "...that yield it..." This refers to the source of the valuable thing, in this case, the bees that produce honey.
* "...with your stings..." This is the ironic twist – the bees are being killed by their own stings, which are meant to protect them and their hive.
Possible interpretations:
* Self-destruction: The phrase could represent the idea that people or things can destroy themselves through their own actions, even if those actions are intended to be protective or beneficial.
* The price of beauty: It could also suggest that beauty or value often comes at a cost, and sometimes that cost is the very thing that makes it possible.
* Irony of fate: The phrase highlights the unpredictable and often ironic nature of life, where good intentions can lead to unintended consequences.
The exact interpretation will depend on the context in which the phrase is used. However, the underlying message is one of paradox and the potential for self-destruction.