Book 6
95
And Teleclides puts it better than the man whom I have just quoted, in his Amphictyons, where he says— I will tell you now the life Which I have prepared for men. First of all the lovely Peace Everywhere was always by, Like spring water which is poured O'er the hands of feasted guests. The earth produced no cause for fear, No pains and no diseases. And everything a man could want Came forth unask'd for to him. The streams all ran with rosy wine, And barley-cakes did fight With wheaten loaves which first could reach A hungry man's open mouth. And each entreated to be eaten; If men loved dainty whiteness. Fish too came straight unto men's doors, And fried themselves all ready, Dish'd themselves up, and stood before The guests upon the tables. A stream of soup did flow along In front of all the couches, Rolling down lumps of smoking meat; And rivulets of white sauce Brought to all such as chose to eat The sweetest forced-meat balls. So that there was no lack, but all Did eat whate'er they wanted. Dishes there were of boil'd meat too, And sausages likewise and pasties; And roasted thrushes and rissoles Flew down men's throats spontaneously. Then there were sounds of cheesecakes too Crush'd in men's hungry jaws: While the boys play'd with dainty bits Of tripe, and paunch, and liver. No wonder men did on such fare Get stout and strong as giants.
