DOLPHIN. 
409 
They are fond of swimming’ round casks or logs of 
wood that they find driving in the sea. — In the 
ailing of the French fleet to Egypt, in the year 1798, 
several dolphins were occasionally observed under 
the bows of the vessels. Their motions, says M. 
Denon, somewhat resembled the undulating mo- 
tion of a ship. They sprang forward in this man- 
ner sometimes to tlie distance of twenty feet and 
upwards. 
The dolphin was in great repute among the an- 
iients, and both philosophers and historians seem 
to have contended who should relate the greatest 
absurdities concerning it. It was consecrated to 
the gods, was celebrated for its love to the human 
race, and was honoured with the title of the Sacred 
Fish, 
Kind gen’rous dolphins love the rocky shore, 
Where broken waves with fruitless anger roar. 
But though to sounding shores they curious come, 
Yet dolphins count the boundless sea there home. 
Nay, should these favourites forsake the main, 
Neptune would grieve his melancholy reign. 
The calmest stillest, seas, when left by them, 
Would rueful frown, and all unjoyous seem. 
But when the darlings frisk in wanton play, 
The waters smile, and ev’ry wave looks gay. 
In all cases of shipwreck the dolphin was be* 
lieved to be in waiting to rescue and carry on 
shore the unfortunate mariners.— Ar ion, the mu- 
sician, when thrown overboard by the pirates, is 
said to have been indebted for his life to this 
animal. 
But, past belief, a dolphin’s arched back, 
Preserved Arion from his destined wrack ; 
Secure he sits, and with harmonious strains, 
Requites the bearer for his friendly pains. 
VOL. II. 3 G 
