Duck and Goose

Duck and Goose /anas et anser/ medallion 4 cm in diameter
The text is taken from Isidore /XII.VII.51—52/ who explains the name “anas” by the bird’s capacity for constant swimming /ab assiduitate natandi/, “anser” — by its likeness to the duck. The story of the goose announcing the night hours by cackling and his ability to scent Man as well as the mention of the geeze saving the Capitolium comes from St.Ambrose /V.13. 44/. Pseudo-Hugh speaks about the duck and geeze /III.36/.”Aviarium” /46/ does not mention the duck but compares the cackling of the gooze with the charges of one’s neighbour with a loss of vigilance.