Gifford has no hesitation in accepting the common identification of this bird with the phoenix. Obviously, however, Ezekielos says nothing of the mythical properties of the bird; he merely presents to us a super-eagle of gorgeous plumage and splendid stature, unnatural but not supernatural. Even the magnificence of the superb bird pictured by Ezekielos is less bizarre than we find it in other authors. Ezekielos’ figures sink into insignificance beside those of Lactantius, who tells us that the bird’s monstrous eyes resembled twin hyacinths, from the midst of which flashed and quivered a bright flame. If Ezekielos really refers to the phoenix, how does it come into the drama at all? Gifford has this note: “There is no mention in Exodus of the phoenix or any such bird, but the twelve palm-trees (_phoenix_) at Elim may have suggested the story of the phoenix to the poet, just as in the poem of Lactantius. _Phoenix_ 70, the tree is said to have been named from the bird.” The word _phoenix_ has, I may add, a romantic history. It means, literally, _Phoenician_. Now, certain of the Phoenician race were the reputed discoverers and first users of purple-red or crimson dyes. Hence these colors were named after them, _Phoenix_ or _Phoenician_. The Greek translation, in Isaiah 1. 18, renders “scarlet” by _Phoenician_. The epithet was applied equally to red cattle, to the bay horse, to the _date-palm_ and its fruit. It was also used of the fabulous bird because of its colorings. Gifford supposes, then, that Ezekielos knowing of the _palms_ reached at Elim in the early wanderings of Israel, introduced the _bird_ into his drama. The palms at Elim are indeed described by this very word (Phoenician) in the Greek translation of the Bible which Ezekielos used (Exodus 15. 27). The _lulab_ is also termed _phoenix_ in the Greek of Leviticus 23. 40. The explanation seems at first sight as plausible as it is clever. But it involves a serious difficulty. For Ezekielos in a previous passage has already described the Phoenician palm-trees at considerable length. The passage has been partly noted above, but it is musical enough to be worth citing as a whole: See, my Lord Moses, what a spot is found, Fanned by sweet airs from yonder shady grove; For as thyself mayest see, there lies the stream, And thence at night the fiery pillar shed Its welcome guiding light. A meadow there Beside the stream in grateful shadow lies, And a deep glen in rich abundance pours From out a single rock twelve sparkling springs. There, tall and strong, and laden all with fruit, Stand palms threescore and ten; and plenteous grass, Well watered, gives sweet pasture to our flocks.