"Made up of the glories of the most precious gems, to describe them is a matter of inexpressible difficulty. For there is amongst them the gentler fire of the ruby, there is the rich purple of the amethyst, there is the sea-green of the emerald, and all shining together in an indescribable union. Others, by an excessive heightening of their hues equal all the colours of the painter, others the flame of burning brimstone, or of a fire quickened by oil."

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Source: The Natural History of Pliny.

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Pliny the Elder

Naturalist, Author

Pliny the Elder was a Roman author and naturalist, known for his encyclopedic work 'Natural History,' which explores the natural world and human knowledge.

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"The feasant hens of Colchis, which have two ears as it were consisting of feathers, which they will set up and lay down as they list."

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