  It was an ancient belief, as Camerarius tells us, that “when tempests arise, and seamen cast their anchor, the dolphin, from its love to man, twines itself round it, so that it may more safely lay hold of the ground.” I know of no verifying evidence for this statement, but should not be surprised to find some element of truth in it. The dolphin twined about an anchor is the device which Aldus Manutius (1450-1515) adopted for his Aldine Press, which began publication in 1494. This device was later adapted to his own use by the English publisher William Pickering (1796-1854). The representation of the dolphin twined about the anchor refers to no maritime supremacy of that creature, but rather to its kindly regard for man. The following poem in George Wither’s A Collection of Emblemes (1635), throws some additional light on the meaning of the emblem. If Safely, thou desire to goe, Bee nor too Swift, nor overslow. [Emblem] [Dolphin and Anchor] Illvstr.X. Book 2. Our Elders, when their meaning was to shew A native-speedinesse (in Emblem wise) The picture of a Dolphin-Fish they drew; Which, through the waters, with great swiftnesse, flies. An Anchor, they did figure, to declare Hope, stayednesse, or a grave-deliberation: And therefore when those two, united are, Its giveth us a two-fold Intimation. For, as the Dolphin putteth us in minde, That in the Courses, which we have to make, Wee should not be, to slothfulnesse enclin’d; But, swift to follow what we undertake: So, by an Anchor added thereunto, Inform’d wee are, that, to maintaine our speed, Hope, must bee joyn’d therewith (in all we doe) If wee will undiscouraged proceed. It sheweth (also) that, our speedinesse, Must have some staydnesse; lest, when wee suppose To prosecute our aymes with good successe, Wee may, by Rashnesse, good endeavors lose. They worke, with most securitie, that know The Times, and best Occasions of delay; When, likewise, to be neither swift, nor slow; And, when to practise all the speed, they may. For, whether calme, or stormie-passages, (Through this life’s Ocean) shall their Bark attend; This double Vertue, will procure their ease: And, them, in all necessities, befriend. By Speedinesse, our works are timely wrought; By Staydnesse, they, to passe are, safely, brought. From A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne, by George Wither. London, 1635. Book 2, p. 72. |
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