7 OCTOBER 1949, Page 18

. The Classical Tradition

Slit,—I am surprised that, in the Spectator of September 30th, your reviewer, Dr. H. W. Garrod, shares Mr. Gilbert Highet's bewilderment at Mr. Ezra Pound's:—

PAPYRUS " Spring Too long Gongola."

Surely "Gongola" is a (nearly correct) transliteration of the Scythian's corrupt -turp'Sa (ara' 4.'03 criporo ra TITTP, 64111fp yo-ry,A,7—Aristophanes, Thesmophoriazusac 1185) = 707-013, a turnip. The word, meaning origin- ally " round," is a vivid and memorable simile for the firm beauty of youth. From this to Gongola as a charming girl's name is one, easy