Pagina 254 di 788

Beyond these pools it is vain to try to penetrate even with the

eye, to say nothing of one's steps, for there all is covered with

a misty cloud that rises incessantly from quivering morasses. But

finally behind this mist (so runs the common rumour) extends a

very fair and fertile region, the main capital of the kingdom of

beasts and plants. In it are gathered the seeds of all trees and

herbs, from which their varieties spread abroad throughout the

world; in it, as in Noah's ark, of all the kinds of beasts there

is preserved at least one pair for breeding. In the very centre,

we are told, the ancient buffalo and the bison and the bear, the

emperors of the forest, hold their court. Around them, on trees,

nest the swift lynx and the greedy wolverene, as watchful

ministers; but farther on, as subordinate, noble vassals, dwell

wild boars, wolves, and horned elks. Above their heads are the

falcons and wild eagles, who live from the lords' tables, as

court parasites.