There is also another collection made among the Rhodians, the making of which is called χελιδονίζειν; and it is mentioned by Theognis, in the second book of his treatise on the Sacrifices in Rhodes, where he writes thus—"There is a species of collecting which the Rhodians call χελιδονίζειν, which takes place in the month Boedromion. And it derives its name of χελιδονίζειν because the people are accustomed to utter the following song:—
The swallow, the swallow (χελιδών) is come,And Cleobulus the Lindian was the first man who introduced the custom of this collection, at a time when there was a great want in Lindus of a collection of money.
Bringing good seasons and a joyful time.
Her belly is white, her back is black.
Bring, oh bring, a cake of figs
Out of your luxurious house,
Bring a cup of wine,
And a dish of cheese,
And a bag of wheat.
[p. 568] Those the good swallow will not despise,
Nor a cake of eggs.
Shall we now go, or shall we get something?
Give something, and we'll go; if you give nothing
We will not cease to pester you; we'll force the door
And carry it away, or th' upper lintel,
Or e'en your wife who sits within the house.
She is but little, we shall find her light.
If you give something, let it be worth having.
Open, then, open the door to the swallow,
For we are not old men, but only boys.
