Chapter XI.
On the fishes of the Atlantic Ocean: also on salt, coral, and other things. For these reasons, but especially because of navigation, the sea surpasses the land. After which, with a few mentions of Jonah and Peter, the conversation is concluded.
32. Let us come to the Atlantic Ocean. How enormous and of infinite magnitude are the whales there! If and when they emerge from the waves, you would think they are walking islands, with the highest mountains standing out with their summits reaching towards the sky. These creatures are not driven or carried along by the currents, nor do they appear on the shores, but they are said to be carried in the depths of the Atlantic Sea, so that sailors, when they catch sight of them, are discouraged from sailing in those areas out of fear, and dare not approach the secrets of the elements without extreme terror of death.
33. But now let us ourselves rise from the depths of the sea, and let our discourse emerge a little and elevate itself to higher things: let us look at those things which are common to many, and are full of grace, how water is turned into the solidity of salt, so that it often cuts with iron; which is not at all surprising of British salts, which in appearance are strong like marble, resplendent with the snowy whiteness of the same metal, and are both a healthy food and a most pleasing drink for the body. Even a coral stone, which is not disgraceful in the sea as a plant, when transferred to the air, solidifies into the firmness of a stone. Hence, nature has also fixed the most precious pearl in oysters, and how the sea water has solidified it in such soft flesh. What is difficult to find among kings lies as if worthless on the shores, and they are collected on rough rocks and cliffs. The golden fleece is also nourished by water, and the coasts produce wool in the likeness of the mentioned metal, whose color no one so far has been able to imitate by various dyes; so human industry does not know how to fulfill the favor of maritime nature! We know with what care even the less valuable fleeces of sheep are treated: although they may be very good, however no dye is produced from them. This is the natural color, which no dye has matched yet: this is also the fish's wool. But even the shellfish themselves, which give the royal purple, are from the sea.
34. And what favor of meadows, or pleasantness of gardens, can compare to the picture of the azure sea? Though gold may shine on the meadows, the shine of gold is also reflected in the sea: and while the former quickly wither, the latter endures for a long time. Lilies shine in gardens from afar, sails on ships: here there is fragrance, there the wind blows. What usefulness in a leaf! How much commerce on ships! Lilies bring sweetness to our noses, sails bring safety to people. Add leaping fish, and playful dolphins: add the waves resounding with hoarse murmurs: add the ships sailing along the shores, or departing from the shores. And when the chariots are sent forth from the starting gates, how eagerly the spectators compete and how ardently they love! The horse runs in vain, but the ships do not run in vain. The former is in vain, because it is empty: the latter is for utility, as if they were full of grain. What is more pleasing to them, which is not done by whip, but by the breath of the winds: where no one opposes, but everyone is a supporter: where no one is defeated whoever arrives, but all the ships that have arrived are crowned: where the reward for salvation is the palm, and victory is the price of return. For there is such a difference between direct and reflected rays! The former continue, the latter dissolve. Attach the shores woven with oars, on which the breeze of departure is blowing from the sky. Therefore, the charioteers return empty applause: they fulfill their vows as saved.
35. What worthy thing shall I speak of Jonah, whom the whale received unto life again, and restored him to the grace of prophecy? The water corrected what the earth had deflected; he sang in the belly of the whale, who lamented upon the earth. And so that the redemption of both elements may not go unnoticed, the salvation of the earth preceded in the sea, for the sign of the Son of Man is the sign of Jonah. Just as he was in the belly of the whale, so Jesus was in the heart of the earth. In both there is a remedy; a greater example of compassion, however, is found in the sea; for the fish received Him whom men rejected, and whom men crucified, the fish preserved. Peter also staggered in the sea, but did not fall: and confessed in the waves, yet denied on land. Therefore, there he is seized as if devoted by hand: here he is met as if forgotten with a censorious look. But now let us ask the Lord, that our speech may be cast out like Jonah onto the land, lest it continue to fluctuate in the salt water. And indeed the gourd has already come forth, which shades us from our evils: but as the sun shines upon it, it withers and reminds us to rest, lest we begin to burn on the earth with conceit, and even our words fail us. Certainly, more forgiveness of sins has been given to us than to the Ninevites in the waters.