Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/404

 (Book xiv. § 27, p. 1004.)

Where is my lovely parsley, say? My violets, roses, where are they? My parsley, roses, violets fair, Where are my flowers? Tell me where.—

(Book xiv. § 34, p. 1011.)

0 Zeus! how glorious 'tis to die while piercing flutes are near, Pouring their stirring melodies into the faltering ear; On these alone doth Eros smile, within whose realms of night, Where vulgar ghosts in shivering bands, all strangers to delight, In leaky tub from Styx's flood the icy waters bear, Condemn'd, for woman's lovely voice, its moaning sounds to hear.—

(Book xiv. § 80, p. 1056.)

A. What! know you not that cookery has much Contributed to piety? attend, And I will tell you how. This art at first Made the fierce cannibal a man; impress'd Upon his rugged nature the desire Of better food than his own flesh; prescribed Order and rule in all his actions; gave him That polish and respect for social life Which now makes up his sum of happiness.

B. Say by what means.

A.                   Attend and you shall hear. Time was that men, like rude and savage beasts, Prey'd on each other. From such bloody feasts A flood of evils burst upon the world; Till one arose, much wiser than the rest, And chose a tender victim from his flock For sacrifice; roasting the flesh, he found The savoury morsel good, and better far Than human carcass, from which time roast meat Became the general food, approved by all.