ANTS, AMPHISBJENAS, BASILISKS 19 



were at one time quite common, if we may believe a 

 Scotch historian. Like their land brothers, they bad 

 a shaven spot on their heads, and wore robes and cowls ; 

 but instead of trying to help those who needed it, in one 

 way or another, as land monks were supposed to do, they 

 ate up everybody that came within reach. After this it is 

 a comfort to think that a pair of shoes made from the 

 skin of the sea-monk would last fifteen years ! 



Having once invented sea-monks, it was easy to go on 

 and invent a sea- bishop, and pictures of him may still be 

 seen in early books of travels with a crozier in his hand 

 and a mitre on his head, and splendid vestments over his 

 shoulders. He must have been a beautiful prize to catcb, 

 but he was very rare, and did not flourish out of the water. 

 One was sent to the King of Poland as a present, but he 

 pined away, and at length, finding himself in the presence 

 of some bisbops dressed like himself, he implored them 

 by signs to release him from captivity. Overcome with 

 pity for their brother in distress, they prevailed on the 

 King to grant him his freedom, and when he heard 

 the joyful news the sea-bishop at once made the sign 

 of the Cross by way of thanks. The bishops escorted 

 their brother solemnly to the sea-coast, and as he plunged 

 beneath the waves he turned and raised two fingers, in 

 the true form of episcopal blessing, and has never been 

 seen on earth again, as far as we know ! 



c2 



