A likeness is lost in
too much description, as a meaning often in too much illustration.
31 Here is marked another peculiar quality of this creature, which
neither flies nor runs directly, but has a motion composed of both,
and, using its wings as sails, makes great speed.
Vasta velut Libyae venantum vocibus ales
Cum premitur, calidas cursu transmittit arenas,
Inque modum veli sinuatis flamine pennis
Pulverulenta volat.
Claud. in Eutr.
32 Xenophon says, Cyrus had horses that could overtake the goat and the
wild ass; but none that could reach this creature. A thousand golden
ducats, or a hundred camels, was the stated price of a horse that
could equal their speed.
33 Though this bird is but just mentioned in my author, I could not
forbear going a little farther, and spreading those beautiful plumes
(which are there shut up) in half a dozen lines.
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