Chap. 22 (16.) — That Auguries Are Derived From Fishes
Auguries are also derived from this department of Nature, and fishes afford presages of coming events. While Augustus2367 was walking on the sea-shore, during the time of the Sicilian war, a fish leapt out of the sea, and fell at his feet. The diviners, who were consulted, stated that this was a proof that those would fall beneath the feet of Cæsar who at that moment were in possession of the seas—it was just at this time that Sextus Pompeius had adopted2368 Neptune as his father, so elated was he with his successes by sea.