Britons and Celts
An Ancient Toast Explained
“Vortigern immediately said the words “drinc hail” and ordered Renwein to drink. Then he took the goblet from her hand, kissed her and drank in his turn.” […]
Month: November 2024
History
The Gift of Nothing
“So he shewed it to the messenger, and the shrewd varlet said to him off hand, ‘Nought is there, and nought shalt thou have! therefore look for nothing!'” […]
Britons and Celts
A Critique of Style
“Overcoats have sleeves reaching down to the hells
Which you could easily wind three times round your arms.
You could wipe you bottom with them instead of rags
In the toilet without doubt.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Vegetarian King of the World
“Often, moreover, even if there was no religious reason, he dined happily on green vegetables and beans, without meat.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Pirate as a Forlorn Lover
“The dashing youth need not have wasted so many words, for the Messinese who were with him, being avid for plunder, already had visions of themselves performing the deed to which Gerbino was inciting them with his oratory. So that when he reached the end of his speech, they filled the air with a thunderous roar of approval, trumpets were sounded, and they all took up their weapons.” […]
Britons and Celts
Apathy for the Damned
“The venerable father and his companions saw how the unhappy man was carried off by a multitude of demons to be tormented and was set on fire among them. He said: ‘Alas for you, my son, that you have received such fate as you have deserved while living.'” […]
Human Affairs
A Model Viking Wife
“I want to make a deal with you, Aud,” he said. “You tell me where Gisli is and I will give you three hundred pieces of silver, which I have received as the price on his head. In addition, I will arrange a marriage for you that will be superior in every way to this one.” […]
History
Rally Round the Rich
“. They had a force of six thousand cavalry, each of whom had selected from the whole army, for his personal protection, one infantryman of outstanding courage and speed of foot.” […]
Medieval Mentality
The Opposite of a Pope
“The romans therefore captured him, held him in prison and, dressing him in a cloak of undressed goatskins reeking with blood, placed this devious antipope, nay antichrist, across the back of that devious animal, the camel.” […]
Britons and Celts
Killing on the Battlements
“The Chancellor was in his gown, and besides ancient, and not able to struggle with such a strong fellow. My lord had a little dog with him; said he, “Let us first throw the dog down, and see what sport that will be.” […]