Natura atrox

We Plinies all liked the stunning photo in the paper this morning, of a sulphur-crested cockatoo being eaten alive by a python in a North Queensland tree.

Pliny the Elder was inspired to write a poem. He wrote it in Latin, so I will give you a literal translation.

Natura atrox sed pulchra est
Plumae avis periendae
Ex oro pythonis prominent
Fax vivenda et morienda
Pictori ingenium illuminans.

Nature is cruel but beautiful
The feathers of the disappearing bird
From the mouth of the python stick out
A living dying torch
Lighting the spirit of the artist.

Who knew Pliny was a poet??