338 LIGHT SCIENCE FOR LEISURE HOURS. 



For we learn from both " shields " that the waves of 

 ocean were figured in a position corresponding with 

 the above-mentioned position of the celestial equator, 

 beneath which that is, in the ocean, on our assump- 

 tion the aquatic constellations were figured. The 

 description of the ocean in the " Shield of Hercules " 

 contains also some lines, in which we seem to see a 

 reference to the bird-constellations close above the 

 equator : 



"Rounding the utmost verge the ocean flowed 

 As in full swell of waters, and the shield 

 All variegated with whole circle bound. 

 Swans of high-hovering wing there clamored shrill, 

 Who also skimmed the breasted surge with plume 

 Innumerous ; near them fishes 'midst the waves 

 Frolicked in wanton bounds." 



In the " Shield of Achilles " no mention is made of 

 Perseus, but in the " Shield of Hercules " this well- 

 known constellation seems described in the lines 



" There was the knight of fair-haired Danae born, 

 Perseus ; nor yet the buckler with his feet 

 Touched nor yet distant hovered, strange to see, 

 For nowhere on the surface of the shield 

 He rested ; so the crippled artist-god 



specially mentioned. The latter instance is -the more remarkable, inas- 

 much as the mention of men and hares would lead one to expect that 

 more than two dogs would be introduced. I would suggest as a suffi- 

 cient reason for this peculiarity that the verbal alterations necessary to 

 pluralize some of the objects in the dome would be more easily effected 

 than those necessary to undualize others. 



