Human Affairs
Ice in Ancient Times
“There is now ice available in Ziranum, much of it. Place your servants there to watch over it so they can keep it safe for you.” […]
Luxury
History
A Pleasure Dome of Great Renown
“In the midst of this enclosed park, where there is a beautiful grove, the Great Khan has built another large palace, constructed entirely of canes, but with the interior all gilt and decorated with beasts and birds of very skillful workmanship. ” […]
Human Affairs
Brats are Eternal
“I want it very much; do not withhold it from me. In this I will see whether you love me as a real father does.” […]
Greek and Roman
Boys and their Birds
“He acquiesced; and the lady, after salutation, requested him to let her touch the bird. No sooner was it in her possession, than she wrenched its head from the body.” […]
Humor
The Knight Who Wouldn’t Shut Up
“My helmet is all gilded. My armour is also laid with gold. There have never been more hold and precious stones on a shield than there are on mine.” […]
Britons and Celts
A Dream Mistress of Great Power
‘Then she handed me a sword with a highly polished hilt.
“Wield this weapon of mine,” said the woman,
“Much blood has been spilt at the bite of its blade,
And as you slash and swish it will serve you unswaveringly.”’ […]
Greek and Roman
The Paradise of Fools
“The fools, of course, believing it to be Paradise, while they themselves were the chosen and happy possessors of the land, gave not another thought to the future. The consequence was that, one night, finding them asleep, the magician cut them off; and thus, through the instrumentality of a factitious Eden, perpetrated the foulest enormities.” […]
Greek and Roman
To The Lazy Goes the Spoils
“Then,” answered the elder, “the kingdom must be mine; for I am so lazy, that sitting once by the fire, I burnt my legs, because I was too indolent to withdraw them.” […]
Greek and Roman
Cleopatra and the Pearls
“Anthony waited breathlessly to see what on earth she was going to do. Cleopatra took off one ear-ring, dropped the pearl in the vinegar and, when it had dissolved, swallowed it.” […]
Humor
Any Price to Keep the Feast Going
“He went into the village and pawned Heym’s horse, armor, and sword, Nagelring, for 10 marks of gold. He drank and was drunk all the time it went on. Then he pawned Wideke’s horse, Skimling, his armour, and his sword, Mymming, for 20 marks of gold. He made his feast bigger.” […]