Epistle XVIII. — Ausonius to Hesperius sends Greeting

Even as the thrush who, ravaging the olives of Picenum, fattens his waxen haunches, or who has torn the gleaming clusters from the vines and now hangs entangled in the nets which in the evening hour float loose like clouds or in the morn are taut with dew — such are the birds I send thee from our wintry hedges, themselves glad to be caught, twice ten in all; for so many in the twilight of early dawn flew headlong into the net. Thereto I add full-grown ducks which a raid on the neighbouring meres supplies, web-footed birds whose broad beaks ravage the blue waters, with legs of crimson-red and plumage rich as the rainbow dight with various colours, with necks that rival doves.

I have not cheated my own table to send these dainties: that thou shouldst eat them causes me more enjoyment.

Fare thee well, that so I may fare well.