As though they swam the waters, to and fro
Darting tumultuous: two[23] of silver scale
Panting above the wave.
For we learn from both ‘shields’ that the waves of ocean were figured in a position corresponding with the above-mentioned position of the celestial equator, beneath which—that is, in the ocean, on our assumption—the aquatic constellations were figured. The description of the ocean in the ‘Shield of Hercules’ contains also some lines, in which we seem to see a reference to the bird-constellations close above the equator:—
Rounding the utmost verge the ocean flow’d
As in full swell of waters, and the shield
All variegated with whole circle bound.
Swans of high-hovering wing there clamour’d shrill,
Who also skimm’d the breasted surge with plume
Innumerous; near them fishes midst the waves