In Isaiah xxxviii, 14, and Jer. viii, 7, two birds are mentioned,
the סיס and the עגור. The first in our version is translated _crane_,
and the second _swallow_; but Bochart exactly reverses them, and the
reasons he adduces are incontrovertible. Aristophanes curiously
observes, that “it is time to sow when the crane migrates clamouring
into Africa; she also bids the mariner suspend his rudder and take his
rest, and the mountaineer to provide himself with raiment;” and Hesiod,
“When thou hearest the voice of the crane, clamouring annually from the
clouds on high, recollect that this is the signal for ploughing, and
indicates the approach of showery winter.”
Where do the cranes or winding swallows go,
Fearful of gathering winds and falling snow?
Conscious of all the coming ills, they fly
To milder regions and a southern sky.
PRIOR.
The Prophet Jeremiah mentions this bird, thus intelligent of the seasons
by an instinctive and invariable observation of their appointed times,
as a circumstance of reproach to the chosen people of God, who, although
taught by reason and religion, “knew not the judgment of the Lord.”
the סיס and the עגור. The first in our version is translated _crane_,
and the second _swallow_; but Bochart exactly reverses them, and the
reasons he adduces are incontrovertible. Aristophanes curiously
observes, that “it is time to sow when the crane migrates clamouring
into Africa; she also bids the mariner suspend his rudder and take his
rest, and the mountaineer to provide himself with raiment;” and Hesiod,
“When thou hearest the voice of the crane, clamouring annually from the
clouds on high, recollect that this is the signal for ploughing, and
indicates the approach of showery winter.”
Where do the cranes or winding swallows go,
Fearful of gathering winds and falling snow?
Conscious of all the coming ills, they fly
To milder regions and a southern sky.
PRIOR.
The Prophet Jeremiah mentions this bird, thus intelligent of the seasons
by an instinctive and invariable observation of their appointed times,
as a circumstance of reproach to the chosen people of God, who, although
taught by reason and religion, “knew not the judgment of the Lord.”