Book 7
16
There is another fish called Anthias, or Callicthys; and this also is mentioned by Epicharmus, in his Marriage or Hebe:— The sword-fish and the chromius too, Who, as Ananius tells us, Is far the best of all in spring; But th' anthias in the winter. And Ananius speaks as follows:— For spring the chromius is best; The anthias in winter: But of all fish the daintiest Is a young shrimp in fig leaves. In autumn there's a dainty dish, The meat of the she-goat; And when they pick and press the grapes, Young pigs are dainty eating. Then, too, young puppies you may eat, And hares, and also foxes. But when the grasshopper does sing, Just at the height of summer, Is the best time for mutton fat; Then, too, the sea-born tunny Will many a savoury dish afford, And beats his compeers all With garlic seasoning richly drest; Then, too, the fatted ox Is sweet to eat both late at night, And at a noon-day feast. And I have quoted this piece of Ananius at length, thinking that it might give some suggestions to the present race of Epicures.
