PHOTOGRAPHS

On a Bee Enclosed in Amber

‘Here shines a bee closed in an amber tomb,
As if interr’d in her own honey-comb.
A fit reward fate to her labours gave;
No other death would she have wish’d to have.’

Martial - Book iv., Epigram xxxii.

On a Viper Enclosed in Amber

‘As ‘mong the poplar boughs a viper crawls,
the liquid gum upon him struggling falls
With drops alone, while wond’ring to be held,
He straight within the amber was congel’d.
then of thy tomb, proud queen, think not too high:
A worm far nobler here entomb’d doth lie.’

Martial - Book iv., Epigram lix.

On an Ant Enclosed in Amber

A drop of amber, from the weeping plant,
Fell unexpected, and embalm’d an ant;
The little insect we so much condemn
Is, from a worthless ant, become a gem.’

Martial - Book vi., Epigram xv.