OF VINEYARDS.
315
bitter, he took the blood of four animals, namely, of a lion, of a lamb, a pig, and a monkey. This mixture he united with earth, and made a kind of manure, which he deposited at the roots of the trees[1]. Thus the blood sweetened the fruit, with which he afterwards intoxicated himself, and lying naked, was derided by his younger son. Assembling his children, he declared to them by what means he had produced this effect. (88)
APPLICATION.
My beloved, the vine manured with the blood of animals, indicates its effects. The blood of the lion produces anger; that of the lamb, shame; of the pig, filthiness; of the monkey, idle curiosity, and foolish joy.
- ↑ Perhaps it was alluding to this fancy, that Webster, in his "White Devil," observes,
- "As in cold countries, husbandmen plant vines,
- And with warm blood manure them, even so," &c.
- "As in cold countries, husbandmen plant vines,
