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In India, the constellation DELPHINUS, The Dolphin, was regarded as
being made up of fortunate or lucky stars, and was always associated
with a porpoise. In Greek legend DELPHINUS is thought to represent
the creature which saved the life of the poet Arion. When he was
sailing home to Corinth, the ship's crew mutinied, stole his fortune,
and appeared about to murder him. Arion pleaded for his life,
begging to be thrown overboard since he knew that the beauty and
sweetness of his songs would charm the creatures of the sea.
And so it transpired as, when the seamen threw him into the water,
a dolphin immediately appeared and carried him safely to land.
It was rewarded for this act by being placed in the heavens.
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