Page:Hesiod, and Theognis.djvu/57

Rh rations. Theocritus, xxiv. 136, speaks of "a big Doric loaf in a basket, such as would safely satisfy a garden-digger;" and it is probable that, in prescribing a loaf with eight quarterings, Hesiod means "double rations," thereby implying that it is good economy to feed your men well, if you would have them work well.

The poet next proceeds to advise that the cattle should be kept in good condition, and ready for work, when the migratory crane's cry bespeaks winter's advent and the prospect of wet weather. Everything should be in readiness for this; and it will not do to rely on borrowing a yoke of oxen from a neighbour at the busy time. The wideawake neighbour may up and say,—

A farmer who knows what he is about will have, Hesiod says, all his gear ready. He and his slaves will turn to and plough, wet and dry, early and late, working manfully themselves, and not forgetting to pray Zeus and Demeter to bless the labour of their hand, and bestow their fruits. An odd addition to the farmer's staff is the slave who goes behind the plough ta break the clods, and give trouble to the birds by covering up the seed. In Wilkinson's 'Ancient Egyptians' (ii. 13), an engraving representing the