[Artemisia] Quote Question

[Bruce Padget]

On Tue, Apr 19, 2011 at 3:00 PM, Padruig <rayzentz at aim.com> wrote:
>
> I am a bit confused, and desire some clarification. I received this quote in an earlier e-mail, and am wondering if it is indeed an accurate quote. I thought corn was a "New World" crop, and not seen in Europe until at least the 15th century, when explorers brought some back. Yet in the following passage, cited as being from the 9th century, it speaks of the slender blade of green corn.  So which is it? Anybody know?
>
>
> There are three slender things that best support the world:
>
> the slender stream of milk from the cows teat into the pail,
>
> the slender blade of green corn upon the ground,
>
> and the slender thread across the hand of a skilled woman.
>
>                       - The Triads of Ireland (9th century)
>
> Padruig
>

Maize (known as "corn" in American English) is from the Americas.  But
"corn" doesn't just refer to maize.  It can refer to any grain, though
that is an archaic usage.

Regards,
Niccolo
bapadget at gmail.com