Acanthus blossoms, drying like immortelles, “bloom continually” (Hellanicus, ap. Athen. XV, 680 a). Therefore carved acanthus garlands adorn the Erechtheum, while the plant is carved on cymae, stelae-acroteria (Conze, Attische Grabreliefs, pl. clxv) and antefixes (Lycian Payava Tomb), and is sketched from life on white Athenian lecythi (Brit. Mus. Coll. pl. xiv), which, conventionalized, it constantly encircles.

Father advanced with outstretched hand and announced in a loud, very hearty voice: "Ee, I'm pleased to meet ye, lad. […]

… that the can contained the head of a porcupine still affixed to a live and active body. The amused towerman “uncanned” the porky and sent it on its way.

But even for that navy, with its strong tradition of offensive action, there were occasions when the fleet-in-being strategy was prudent and effective.