Human Affairs
Medieval Fashion Questions
THE SCENE: Ok, you finally got an audience before the king. But you have a fashion problem: should you wear your cloak (mantle) or not? Fortunately, you don’t need to suffer in silence, since the […]
Clean
Greek and Roman
Greeks in the Land of Dreams
“The dreams themselves differed widely in character and appearance. Some were well-grown, smooth-skinned, shapely, handsome fellows, others rough, short, and ugly; some apparently made of gold, others of common cheap stuff. Among them some were found with wings, and other strange variations; others again were like the mummers in a pageant, tricked out as kings or Gods or what not.” […]
Orient
Death of the God Osiris
“Typhon then divided the body of the slain man into twenty-six pieces and gave one portion to each of the band of murderers, since he wanted all of them to share in the pollution and felt that in this way he would have in them steadfast supporters and defenders of his rule.” […]
History
Arrogance of an All-Conquering Tyrant
“I am glorious, I am great, I am mighty, I have arisen, I am Chief, I am a Prince, I am a warrior, I am great and I am glorious.” […]
Britons and Celts
Torn Between Love and Duty
“While Scotland weeps, weeps out her dearest blood,
And floats to ruin down the crimson flood.
Th’ important now, decides her future state;
And see! The scales are hung to weigh her fate.” […]
Britons and Celts
Beware the Gifts of the Adversary
“He first complained that the hawk gripped his fist rather strongly with his talons, presently he was lifted by the hand into the air, and soon after vanished altogether.” […]
Human Affairs
How to Talk to a King
“And if the king should happen to speak a few words to you which you did not catch, and you have to ask what he said, do not say “Eh?” or “What?” or make a fuss about it, but use only the word “Sire.” […]
Britons and Celts
Drag Me to Hell
“Thou art now judged, and the Lord hath hardened thy heart against repentance; and whereas thou hast trifled with His long-suffering, hast not heeded warning, and hast proudly refused honour to God, thou shalt on the third day after this be caught up alive by devils into the air at the third hour.” […]
Greek and Roman
A Vision of Paradise
“All round stand great trees of pellucid crystal, whose fruit is drinking-cups of every shape and size. A guest arriving plucks a cup or two and sets them at his place, where they at once fill with wine. ” […]
Uncategorized
Beware the Women of the Vines
“The man became one plant with the vine, striking root beside it; his fingers turned to vine twigs, the tendrils were all round him, and embryo grape-clusters were already visible on him.” […]