Another fantastic tradition relates that Xerxes inflicted three hundred lashes on the sea, and bound it in chains--a Greek myth based on the peculiar construction of the second pontoon Xerxes employed to cross the Dardanelles. This consisted of three hundred boats, secured by chains to two ships which acted as supporters.
A more modern instance is Cleopatra’s pearl, which she is reputed to have dissolved in wine at the banquet, the costliness of which excited the wonder of Antony. It is probable that the pearl was sold either to defray the cost or to provide a bribe for Antony.
The Dog in Mediæval Art symbolises Fidelity and appears on monuments at the feet of women, signifying affection and faithfulness; and at the feet of men, signifying courage and magnanimity. When the dog appears on the tombs of Crusaders, it is to indicate that they followed the standard of the Lord as a dog follows its master.
Other animals in Christian Art symbolise respectively:
The Ant. Prudence. “ Ape. Malice, lust and cunning. “ Ass. Sobriety. “ Asp. Christ, or Christian Faith. “ Bee. Industry. “ Camel. Submission. “ Cock. Vigilance. “ Fox. Fraud and cunning. “ Hog. Impurity. “ Lamb. Innocence. “ Leopard. Sin. “ Ox. Pride.
“ Dragon, Serpent, } Satan and his crew. “ Swine. }
“ Lamb. } “ Pelican. } Symbols of Christ. “ Unicorn. }
The Lamb, which is reminiscent of the Paschal Lamb of the Exodus, appears on Church plate and decorations, and is usually depicted carrying a banner bearing the Cross, sometimes with blood issuing from its breast caught in a chalice.
The Pelican is the symbol of Charity and the emblem of the Atonement. It is generally represented on the nest feeding its young from the flesh of its breast.
The Phœnix, owing to its traditional rejuvenation every hundred years, is the symbol of the Resurrection.
The Dove is an emblem of Peace, Fidelity and of the Holy Spirit.
The Fish was adopted by the early Christians as the symbol of Purity and Faith. It conveys a comparison of the Christian passage through life with the fish passing through salt water still remaining fresh, and is occasionally suggested in the Vesica Piscis, which it resembles in general shape.
_Association of Human and Animal Qualities_