>And, of course, Hot Bird (as in 'Phoenix just emerged from the fire'....)
>
>Helen

CHAP. XXV.--THE PHOENIX AN EMBLEM OF OUR RESURRECTION.

Let us consider that wonderful sign [of the resurrection] which takes
place in Eastern lands, that is, in Arabia and the countries round about.
There is a certain bird which is called a phoenix. This is the only one of
its kind, and lives five hundred years. And when the time of its dissolution
draws near that it must die, it builds itself a nest of frankincense, and
myrrh, and other spices, into which, when the time is fulfilled, it enters
and dies. But as the flesh decays a certain kind of worm is produced, which,
being nourished by the juices of the dead bird, brings forth feathers. Then,
when it has acquired strength, it takes up that nest in which are the bones
of its parent, and bearing these it passes from the land of Arabia into
Egypt, to the city called Heliopolis. And, in open day, flying in the sight
of all men, it places them on the altar of the sun, and having done this,
hastens back to its former abode. The priests then inspect the registers of
the dates, and find that it has returned exactly as the five hundredth year
was completed.

(From THE FIRST EPISTLE OF CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS)

Joseph Alba
jalba@...

[Apologies for wasting bandwith]