Book 6
11
And perhaps it is natural for fishermen to be proud of their skill, even to a greater degree than the most skilful generals. Accordingly, Anaxandrides, in his Ulysses, introduces one of them, speaking in this way of the fisherman's art— The beauteous handiwork of portrait painters When in a picture seen is much admired; But the fair fruit of our best skill is seen In a rich dish just taken from the frying-pan. For by what other art, my friend, do we See young men's appetites so much inflamed? What causes such outstretching of the hands What is so apt to choke one, if a man. Can hardly swallow it? Does not the fish-market Alone give zest to banquets Who can spread A dinner without fried fish, or anchovies, Or high-priced mullet? With what words or charms Can a well-favour'd youth be caught, if once The fisherman's assistance be denied? His art subdues him, bringing to the fish-kettle The heads of well-boil'd fish; this leads him on To doors which guard th' approach to a good dinner, And bids him haste, though nought himself contributing.
