John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
8733 Pliny the Elder AD 23-AD 79 John Bartlett
| NUMBER: | 8733 |
| AUTHOR: | Pliny the Elder (A.D. c. 23–A.D. 79) |
| QUOTATION: | Bears when first born are shapeless masses of white flesh a little larger than mice, their claws alone being prominent. The mother then licks them gradually into proper shape. 1 |
| ATTRIBUTION: | Natural History. Book viii. Sect. 126. |
| Note 1. See Burton, Quotation 7. Not unlike the bear which bringeth forth In the end of thirty dayes a shapeless birth; But after licking, it in shape she drawes, And by degrees she fashions out the pawes, The head, and neck, and finally doth bring To a perfect beast that first deformed thing. Du Bartas: Divine Weekes and Workes, first week, first day. [back] |