For, as Aulus Gellius saith, lib.

3, this long time was suitable to the majesty of Neptune, that in it the child might receive his perfect form.

For the like reason Jupiter made the night, wherein he lay with Alcmena, last forty-eight hours, a shorter time not being sufficient for the forging of Hercules, who cleansed the world of the monsters and tyrants wherewith it was suppressed.

My masters, the ancient Pantagruelists, have confirmed that which I say, and withal declared it to be not only possible, but also maintained the lawful birth and legitimation of the infant born of a woman in the eleventh month after the decease of her husband.

Hypocrates, lib.
de alimento.