Homer (Cambridge, Christ's College, MS Rouse 358)

Learned Men Held in Great Esteem and Honor

How highly good literature was once esteemed and how much was granted to the learned is evident from the following example of Alexander the Great. When he had captured the writing case of Darius, the King of the Persians, among the spoils—which was precious, adorned with gold, gems, and pearls—he placed the books of Homer inside (which he considered worthy of such a container). Pliny, Book 7, Chapter 29.

The right edge of the image shows a fragment of a highly decorative illuminated border from the subsequent page, featuring floral motifs, fruits (possibly pomegranates or apples), and a red and gold architectural frame.