But the raven, once free, had no thought of returning, and flew far away, saying to himself: “Never again will I be caught in that trap.”
And Noah waited for news, but none came.
22. RETURN OF THE DOVE
Then, as matters grew worse. Noah sent forth a dove. “She is a gentle bird and will surely come again to her home,” he thought. And the dove did return, for she found only water, and no rest for her foot.
Then Noah waited seven days and again sent her out. And she came back, bringing in her beak a twig from the olive tree.
And all welcomed her with joy, for now they knew that the waters were falling.
23. FIRST SIGHT OF LAND
Then Noah waited still another seven days, and again sent out the dove. But this time she did not come back.