Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 38 / §§71–76

Printed page 38 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §71, §72, §73, §74, §75, §76. The opening continues §70 from the preceding page. carefully made and attached and with such consummate skill and craftsmanship as exactly to resemble nature, insomuch that if a breath of air blew upon them the leaves stirred in their places ; so closely was every detail modelled upon the reality. The front{1} of the table they made in three pieces, as it were a triptych, the pieces being fitted together by dovetailing which was secured by pegs in the thickness of the structure, while the joinings were rendered invisible and undiscoverable. The thickness of the whole table was no less than half a cubit, so that _the cost of_ the whole work amounted to many talents. For, as the king had determined not to add to its size, he expended all the more upon these details,{2} even as much as would have been required for a table on a larger scale; and in accordance with his purpose the whole was completed in a marvellous and memorable style, with inimitable art and transcendent beauty. Of the mixing-bowls two were wrought in gold, and from their bases to half-way up their sides bore a device of scales in relief, with precious stones cunningly set between the scales. Then above this was a meander, a cubit in height, with its surface {3} wrought out of precious stones of divers hues, and displaying not only beauty but the most elaborate skill. Over this was a mosaic of interlacing lozenge-shaped figures extending to the brim and producing the appearance of net-work. In the middle were bosses of precious stones of various kinds, arranged alternately, and not less than four fingers broad, which enhanced the beauty of the spectacle. Round the crown of the brim were worked lilies with their blossoms and intertwining vine-clusters. Such was the TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 38 {1} Lit. "mouth." {2} Text and meaning doubtful. {3} Text emended.