- s38 ##
38 (K-D 49)
I know a something that stands firm on the ground,
deaf and dumb, that by day often swallows
from the servant’s hand useful gifts.
Sometimes in the towns the dark thane,
swarthy and dun-faced, sends more of these
into its mouth, dearer than gold,
which men of rank often desire,
kings and queens. I will not now yet
name his nature who for use and profit
of doughty men makes what the dumb thing
(that dun-faced nitwit) first swallows up.
Probably Bake-oven; but Bookcase has been proposed. Perhaps both, for the sake of promoting argument.
- s39 ##
39 (K-D 65)
I was alive but said nothing; even so I die.
Back I came before I was. Everyone plunders me,
keeps me confined, and shears my head,
bites my bare body, breaks my sprouts.
No man I bite unless he bites me;
many there are who do bite me.
Onion. Cf. 74 (K-D 25), which is also Onion with salacious overtones.
