Book 7
85
There is also a fish called the carcharias (or sharp- toothed dog). And Archestratus, whom we may call the Hesiod or Theognis of Epicures, speaks of this fish; for Theognis himself was not indifferent to luxury, as he admits, speaking of himself in these words:— But when the sun, driving his coursers fleet With solid hoofs along the heavenly road, Guides them at mid-day in the centre path, Then let us eat whate'er our heart may prompt, And gratify our appetite with dainties. Then let a Spartan maid with rosy hands, Bring water, and fresh garlands for our brows. Nor indeed was that wise man indifferent to the charms of boys; at all events, he speaks thus on the subject:— O Academus, would you now but sing A tuneful hymn, while in the midst should stand A beauteous boy, in flower of his youth, A prize for you and me to combat for, Then you should know how far the mule excels the ass. And Archestratus, in these beautiful suggestions of his, exhorts his friends in this way— In fair Torone's town 'tis best to cook The hollow entrails of the sharp-tooth'd dog. Then strew the fish with cummin, sparing be Of salt, then roast him, and add nothing else Saving some sea-green oil. Then when 'tis done, Serve him up with some little seasoning. And if you boil a part of it within The hollow of some flat dish, then add No water, add no wine-made vinegar, But pour on oil alone, and cummin dry, And add what fragrant herbs the garden gives. Then put the saucepan on the ashes hot, And boil it; let no flame too quickly burn, And stir it often lest the meat should catch, And spoil your dinner so, before you know it. 'Tis but few mortals know this wondrous food; And those who have thick stupid heavy souls,, Refuse to taste it, but are all alarm'd, Because they say this dog's a cannibal, And feeds on human flesh. But there is not A fish that swims which does not like man's flesh If he can only chance to come across it. There is a part of this fish which the Romans cal thursio, and which is very delicious, and much sought for as an article of luxury.
