Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

PHOENIXfor twin sapphires those great eyes from betweenwhicli shoots a bright flame. All over the head isfitted a crown of rays, in lofty likeness to the gloryof the Sun-god's head. Scales cover the legs, whichare variegated with a metallic yellow, but the tintwhich colours the claws is a wonderful rose. Tothe eye it has a blended semblance between thepeacock's appearance and the rich-hued bird fromPhasis." Its size ^ the winged thing that springsfrom the Arabs' lands is scarce able to match,whether wild animal it be or bird.^ Yet 'tis notslow like large-sized birds which are of sluggishmovement by reason of their heavy weight, but 'tislight and swift, filled with a royal grace : such is itsbearing ever to the eyes of men. Egypt drawsnigh to greet the marvel of so great a sight and thecrowd joyfully hails the peerless bird. Straightwaythey grave its form on hallowed marble and with afresh title mark both the event and the day.'^ Everyibreed of fowl unites in the assemblage : no birdhas thoughts of prey nor yet of fear. Attended bya chorus of winged creatures, she flits through thehigh air, and the band escorts her, gladdened bytheir pious task. But when the company has reachedthe breezes of ether unalloyed, it presently returns :she then ensconces herself in her true haunts. Ah,bird of happy lot and happy end to whom God'sown vn\\ has granted birth from herself I Female or" The pheasant.* niagnitiem is unparalleled.' cUes is a reference to the ostrich or strouthiocamdos,which was so called from its camel-like neck, and which mightbe considered either land animal or bird.•^i.e. in their joy over the periodic return of the Phoenix.663