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And it is observable, not only that there are fish, as namely the
whale, three times as big as the mighty elephant, that is so fierce
in battle, but that the mightiest feasts have been of fish. The
Romans, in the height of their glory, have made fish the mistress
of all their entertainments; they have had music to usher in their
stugeons, lampreys, and mullets, which they would purchase at rates,
rather to be wondered at than believed. He that shall view the writings
of Macrobius or Varro, may be confirmed and informed of this, and
of the incredible value of their fish and fish-ponds.
But, gentlemen, I have almost lost myself, which I confess I may
easily do in this philosophical discourse; I met with most of it
very lately, and, I hope happily, in a conference with a most learned
physician, Dr. Wharton, a dear friend, that loves both me and my
art of angling. But, however, I will wade no deeper in these mysterious
arguments, but pass to such observations as I can manage with more
pleasure, and less fear of running into error. But I must not yet
forsake the waters, by whose help we have so many advantages.
And, first, to pass by the miraculous cures of our known baths,
how advantageous is the sea for our daily traffic, without which
we could not now subsist! How does it not only furnish us with food
and physic for the bodies, but with such observations for the mind
as ingenious persons would not want!
How ignorant had we been of the beauty of Florence, of the monuments,
urns, and rarities that yet remain in, and near unto old and new
Rome, so many as it is said will take up a year's time to view,
and afford to each of them but a convenient consideration! And,
therefore, it is not to be wondered at, that so learned and devout
a father as St. Jerome, after his wish to have seen Christ in the
flesh, and to have heard St. Paul preach, makes his third wish,
to have seen Rome in her glory; and that glory is not yet all lost,
for what pleasure is it to see the monuments of Livy, the choicest
of the historians; of Tully, the best of orators; and to see the
bay-trees that now grow out of the very tomb of Virgil! These, to
any that love learning, must be pleasing. But what pleasure is it
to a devout Christian, to see there the humble house in which St.
Paul was content to dwell, and to view the many rich statues that
are made in honour of his memory! nay, to see the very place in
which St. Peter and he lie buried together! These are in and near
Rome. And how much more doth it please the pious curiosity of a
Christian, to see that place on which the blessed Saviour of the
world was pleased to humble himself, and to take our nature upon
him, and to converse with men: and to see Mount Sion, Jerusalem,
and the very sepulchre of our Lord Jesus! How may it beget and heighten
the zeal of a Christian, to see the devotions that are daily paid
to Him at that place! Gentlemen, lest I forget myself, I will stop
here, and remember you, that but for my element of water, the inhabitants
of this poor island must remain ignorant that such things ever were,
or that any of them have yet a being.
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