“Straight he requires, impatient in demand, Provisions from the air, the seas, the land; But though the land, air, seas, provisions grant, Starves at full tables, and complains of want. What to a people might in dole be paid, Or victual cities for a long blockade, Could not one wolfish appetite assuage; For glutting nourishment increased its rage. As rivers poured from every distant shore The sea insatiate drinks, and thirsts for more; Or as the fire, which all materials burns, And wasted forests into ashes turns, Grows more voracious as the more it preys, Recruits dilate the flame, and spread the blaze: So impious Erisichthon’s hunger raves, Receives refreshments, and refreshments craves. Food raises a desire for food, and meat Is but a new provocative to eat. He grows more empty as the more supplied, And endless cramming but extends the void.”

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