e river Daphnus,
and rested upon a certain rock compassed with waters, just above the
surface of the sea, which rock bears his name to this day. The body of
Hesiod was no sooner fallen upon the surface of the water, but a company
of dolphins received it, and conveyed it to Rhium and Molyeria. It
happened the Locrians were assembled at Rhium that day to feast and make
merry according to the custom which continues still among them. As soon
as they perceived a carcass floating or rather swimming towards them,
they hastened, not without admiration, to see what it was; and knowing
the body to be Hesiod's, they instantly resolved to find out the
murderers. It proved an easy discovery. After conviction they threw them
headlong alive into the sea, and ordered their houses to be demolished
to the very foundations. The body they buried in the grove of the temple
of Jove, that no foreigner might find it out; the reason of this act
was that the Orchomenians had searched far and near for it at the
instigation of the oracle, who promised them the greatest felicity if
they could get the bones of Hesiod and bury them in their city. Now if
dolphins are so favorable to dead men, it is very probable they have
a strong affection for the living, especially for such as delight in
music, whether vocal or instrumental. And this we know undoubtedly, that
these creatures delight infinitely in music; they love it, and if any
man sings or plays, they will quietly come by the side of the ship, and
listen till the music is ended. When children bathe in the water and
sport themselves, you shall have a parcel of them flock together and
sport and swim by them; and they may do it the more securely, since it
is a breach of the law of Nature to hurt them. You never heard of
any man that fishes for them purposely or hurts them wilfully, unless
falling into the nets they spoil the sport, and so, like bad children,
are corrected for their misdemeanors. I very well remember the Lesbians
told me how a maid of their town was preserved from drowning by them.

It was a very true story, quoth Pittacus, and there are divers still
alive who will attest it, if need be. The builders or founders of Lesbos
were commanded by the oracle to sail till they came to a haven called
Mesogaeum, there they should sacrifice a bull to Neptune, and for the
honor of Amphitrite and the sea-nymphs they should offer a virgin. The
principal persons in this colony were seven in number; the