Pisces

Last double Pisces,* 1.22 from their shining scale,

Spread watry influence, and incline to Sail;

To trust their Lives to Seas, to plow the Deep,

To make fit Rigging, or to build a Ship.

In short, what e're can for a Fleet be fram'd,

A thousand Arts, too numerous to be nam'd.

Beside to steer, observe the Stars, and guide

As they direct, and never lose the Tide;

To know the Coasts, the Winds, the Ports, and Shores;

To turn the Helm, or ply the bending Oars;

To sweep smooth Seas with Nets, to drag the Sand,

And draw the leaping Captives to the Land,

Lay cheating Wires, or with unfaithful bait,

The Hook conceal, and get by the deceit:

To fight at Sea, to stain the Waves with blood,

Whilst War lies floating on th' unstable flood:

Fruitful their Births, of Pleasure fond, engage

In Love, are quick, but changing with their Age.

-Manilius, translated by Thomas Creech