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The Romans knew, and loved thee ! So assure us 

 Old writers, and those sons of Epicurus, 

 With mullets, and other ancient fishes, 

 Would serve thee up, the choicest of their dishes, 

 While Baiae and Brundusium, as tis said, 

 Rivaled in claiming the best Oyster bed! 

 But now, nomadic, through all regions known, 

 From Polar sea to fierce Equator s zone ; 

 Pagan and Christian, Turcoman and Jew, 

 All stew, broil, bake, and swallow you 

 You Oyster!! 



