Est etiam ille malus colubris in saltibus anguis
Postquam exhausta palus.—Virg. Georg. l. iii. This is applied also to the Hydrus.
XVII. The Elops or Elaphis of the Antients, which some confound with the Cæcilia, as Jonstonus observes: It is of the amphibious Sort, and known at Lemnos, where ’tis call’d Laphiati by the Natives. In Aldrovandus’s Study, Ambrosinus saw the Picture of this Serpent, which was about three Foot long; the Belly is of a yellow Colour, the Back is brown, and distinguishable by three black Lines[[178]].
[178]. Ray.
There is a marine Elope, an Animal counted sacred by the Poets, a Set of merry Mortals, famous for turning every thing into a God, or Ridicule. The Historian mentions a certain Fish so called, that upon any loud Noise made on Land near the Shore, would immediately hasten towards the Place, as if it would see who durst rival Triton in Sound; Triton, Herald of Neptune, Sovereign of the Sea.
XVIII. The Pareas or Parvas, is a Serpent of a fiery Colour, sharp Eyes, wide Mouth, two Feet situated near the Tail, by which its Motion is guided[[179]]: It is called the Serpent of Esculapius, being of a gentle, innocent, friendly Nature. In Italy they frequent Houses, and are no more dangerous than common Eels; and if provoked to exercise their Teeth, there is nothing venemous in the Bite. This is supposed by some to be the Italian Baron: One of its commendable Properties is, that it devours poisonous Serpents; and therefore is sacred to the Mysteries, and highly esteem’d in the Temple of Dionysius.
[179]. Et contentus, iter cauda sulcare Pareas. Lucan. Phars. 270.
Gesner[[180]], from Albertus says, it goes as it were upright, on its Tail, not perpendicularly upon the sharp End, but on that Part of the Body joined to the Tail: It is bred in Syria, Alexandria, and in the East, &c. These Serpents are known also in Spain and other temperate Regions, and every where esteemed Enemies to hurtful Serpents, and Friends to Mankind; therefore were consecrated to the divine Esculapius, that great and glorious Exemplar of Humanity.
[180]. Quasi totus erectus graditur super caudam. l. v. p. 65.
XIX. The Dipsas or Dipsacus is a little venemous Reptile of the Aspick kind[[181]], less than a Viper, but kills sooner; and is most remarkable in this, that when it bites, the Poison brings an unquenchable Thirst on the Person affected, who finding no Relief, runs to the Water, and drinks till he bursts asunder[[182]].