The Egyptians held the Sea in abhorrence, and reserved all their veneration for their famous river Nile. […] The charms of their singing allured mariners to approach the dangerous shore, which proved their destruction. […] Sea birds, who were supposed to build their nests upon the waves, and to calm their violence by their presence. […] His image is set up in their streets and their high roads; and against their temples and houses. […] Their mythology was much blended with their science; as the Chaldeans were not only their priests, but also their philosophers.