Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/409

 

(Book xv. § 44, p. 1105.)

Nor fell His perfumes from a box of alabaster; That were too trite a fancy, and had savour'd O' the elder time—but ever and anon He slipp'd four doves, whose wings were saturate With scents, all different in kind—each bird Bearing its own appropriate sweets:—these doves, Wheeling in circles round, let fall upon us A shower of sweet perfumery, drenching, bathing Both clothes and furniture—and lordlings all— I deprecate your envy, when I add, That on myself fell floods of violet odours.—

(Book xv. § 50, p. 1110.)

Oh! Health, it is the choicest boon Heaven can send us, And Beauty's arms, bright and keen, deck and defend us; Next follows honest Wealth—riches abounding— And Youth's pleasant holidays—friendship surrounding.

(Book xv. § 50, p. 1110.)

With his claw the snake surprising, Thus the crab kept moralizing:— "Out on sidelong turns and graces, Straight's the word for honest paces!"—

(Book xv. § 50, p. 1111.)

Wreathed with myrtles be my glaive. Like the falchion of the brave, Death to Athens' lord that gave. Death to tyranny!

Yes! let myrtle-wreaths be round Such as then the falchion bound, When with deeds the feast was crown'd   Done for liberty!