8733. Pliny the Elder. A.D. c. 23-A.D. 79. John Bartlett, comp. 1919. Familiar Quotations, 10th ed.

Reference > Quotations > John Bartlett, comp. > Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. > 8733. Pliny the Elder

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John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.


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]

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