Page:The history of silk, cotton, linen, wool, and other fibrous substances 2.djvu/308

 Sybaris, black. They attributed similar virtues to other streams in various parts of the world.

According to Strabo (L. vi. cap. 3. § 9. p. 303. ed Siebenkees) the hilly promontory of Garganus was particularly celebrated for its sheep. He says, that their wool was softer than the Tarentine, but less shining.

The Roman poets allude in various instances to the excellence of the Apulian wool, and especially to that of Tarentum. Horace in the following stanza expresses his predeliction for this celebrated city, and mentions its "soft" or "covered" sheep. He had been asserting his wish to end his days at Tibur, the modern Tivoli.

But, should the partial Fates refuse That purer air to let me breathe, Galesus, thy sweet stream I'll choose, Where flocks of richest fleeces bathe: Phalanthus there his rural sceptre sway'd, Uncertain offspring of a Spartan maid.

Od. l. ii. 6.—Francis's Translation.

Martial alludes to the celebrity of the Tarentine wool in no less than five of his epigrams.

Spartan Galesus did your toga lave, Or from a flock select fair Parma gave.

L. ii. ep. 43. l. 3, 4.

The poet intended here to describe a toga of the most expensive and fashionable kind.

You give, O Chloe, to Lupercus, Your tender favorite, lacernas Of Spanish, Tyrian, scarlet fleeces, And togas wash'd in warm Galesus.

L. iv. ep. 28. l. 1-3.

Thou wast more sweet, O lovely child! Than song of aged dying swans: Thy voice, thy mien were soft and mild As Phalantine Galesus' lambs.

L. v. ep. 37. l. 1, 2.

The last lines were written by Martial on the death of Ero