HAND-CARVED STONE

BY
Plato
(4th century B.C.)

&/\&/\&

The seed-shaped, chalcedonic stone, the inset

For a rich-man's ring, is carved with the seal

Of seven cows, cows so plainly glutted

On sweet meadow grass, you almost feel

They'll wander off now they've had their fill.

And indeed they would, had the engraver

Not taken it upon himself to corral

Them within a double band of golden wire.
 

&/\&/\&