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That which prevents disagreeable flies from feeding on your repast, was once the proud tail of a splendid bird.

Martial, Henry George Bohn (1914). “The Epigrams of Martial: Translated Into English Prose. Each Accompanied by One Or More Verse Translations, from the Works of English Poets, and Various Other Sources”
That which prevents disagreeable flies from feeding on your repast, was once the proud tail of a splendid bird.