It happened once upon a time that a certain Greek ship bound for
Athens was wrecked off the coast close to Piraeus, the port of
Athens. Had it not been for the Dolphins, who at that time were
very friendly toward mankind and especially toward Athenians, all
would have perished. But the Dolphins took the shipwrecked people
on their backs and swam with them to shore.
Now it was the custom among the Greeks to take their pet monkeys
and dogs with them whenever they went on a voyage. So when one of
the Dolphins saw a Monkey struggling in the water, he thought it
was a man, and made the Monkey climb up on his back. Then off he
swam with him toward the shore.
The Monkey sat up, grave and dignified, on the Dolphin's back.
"You are a citizen of illustrious Athens, are you not?" asked the
Dolphin politely.
"Yes," answered the Monkey, proudly. "My family is one of the
noblest in the city."
"Indeed," said the Dolphin. "Then of course you often visit
Piraeus."
"Yes, yes," replied the Monkey. "Indeed, I do. I am with him
constantly. Piraeus is my very best friend."
This answer took the Dolphin by surprise, and, turning his head,
he now saw what it was he was carrying. Without more ado, he
dived and left the foolish Monkey to take care of himself, while
he swam off in search of some human being to save.
