189 



secured them from the many troubles and evils 

 which befell terrestrial animals; that they had been 

 the chosen medium through which many of the 

 gospel rites and doctrines had been made known to 

 mankind; and that now he had assembled them 

 together for the purpose of teaching a great religious 

 and moral lesson to the unbelieving and wicked 

 people around him. And the saint concludes his 

 discourse in the following words : " In what dread- 

 ful majesty in what wonderful power in what 

 amazing providence, did God Almighty distinguish 

 you among all the species of creatures that perished 

 in the universal deluge : you only were insensible of 

 the mischief that laid waste the whole world. All 

 this I have told you, ought to inspire you with 

 gratitude and praise. You cannot employ your 

 tongues, nor express your gratitude in words ; make 

 at least some sign of reverence ; bow yourselves ac- 

 cording to the best of your capacity ; express your 

 thanks in the most becoming manner that you are 

 able ; and be not unmindful of all the benefits be- 

 stowed upon you." 



We are told that St. Anthony had no sooner left 

 off speaking than the fishes, as though they were 

 moved by reason, bowed down their heads in pro- 

 found humility, and manifested the most lively joy 

 at his address. The story adds, that after many 

 heretics, present on the occasion, had been con- 

 verted, the saint gave his benediction to his finny 

 auditory, and dismissed them. 



Lady Morgan describes a picture in the Borghese 



