THE ANCIENTS. 15 



his own country, and being favourably received at the 

 court of Severus, he was soon after seized with the plague, 

 which terminated his life, in the thirtieth year of his age. 

 The citizens of his native city were deeply afflicted by 

 this bereavement, and erected a statue to his memory 

 with the following inscription : 



" Though much they lov'd, no Heliconian maid 

 Could Oppian save, or fallen fate persuade ; 

 The rigid destinies' superior power 

 Snapt quick the thread, and fixt the hastened hour. 

 But had these sisters, like the nine, been kind, 

 Nor Oppian' s life to thrice ten years confin'd ; 

 All the inspir'd had him then* chief allow' d, 

 And all to his their humbler laurels bow'd !" 



The first two books of the poem, as already mentioned, 

 are devoted to the nature, habits, and instincts of fish. 

 These are described with the accuracy of a naturalist, and 

 the fancy of a poet. The art of Angling, as known and 

 practised in his day and country, is detailed with great 

 minuteness and dexterity of colouring. In the third 

 book, he says : 



" By those who curious have their art defin'd, 

 Four sorts of fishers are distinct assign' d. 

 The first in hooks delight j here some prepare 

 The angler's taper length, and twisted hair : 

 Others the tougher threads of flax entwine, 

 But firmer hands sustain the sturdy line. 

 A third prevails by more compendious ways, 

 While num'rous hooks one common line displays." 



