[592] It should seem from hence, that before our marine artillery was brought to its present perfection, some naval commanders had recourse to instruments or machines, similar in use, though perhaps unlike in construction, to the heavy dolphins made of lead or iron used by the ancient Greeks; which they suspended from beams or yards fastened to the masts, and which they precipitately let fall on the enemies ships, in order to sink them, by beating holes through the bottoms of their undecked triremes, or otherwise damaging them. These are mentioned by Thucydides, lib. vii. p. 256, ed. 1564, folio, and are more fully explained in Schefferi de Militiâ Navali, lib. ii. cap. v. p. 136, ed. 1653, 4to.
N.B. It everywhere in the MS. seems to be written "beanes."
[593] Ver. 5. "hached with gold," MS.
[594] [flags.]
[595] i.e. did not salute.
[596] Ver. 35. i.e. discharged chain-shot.
[597] Ver. 67. 84 pounds, MS.
[598] [climbed.]
[599] V. 75. bearinge, sc. that carries well, &c.
[600] [shoulder.]