Amidst the chaos, the passengers struggle to stay afloat, their hopes diminishing as the relentless sea swallows their vessel. But salvation arrives in the form of Dolphins, their sleek bodies cutting through the tumultuous waters with grace and urgency. These gentle creatures, revered by the Athenians, swiftly offer their backs to the flailing humans, guiding them toward the safety of the shore.
Mistaking the Monkey for a man, the Dolphin swims to his aid, allowing the creature to climb onto his back. Seated securely, the Monkey adopts an air of nobility, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and newfound pride as he is carried through the churning sea. The Dolphin, ever polite, initiates a conversation to ease the tension of the journey.
"You are a citizen of illustrious Athens, are you not?" the Dolphin asks, his voice friendly yet curious.
"Yes," the Monkey replies with a hint of arrogance. "My family is one of the noblest in the city." The Monkey, though a mere pet, fabricates tales of grandeur, eager to impress his savior.
"Indeed," the Dolphin continues, "Then of course you often visit Piraeus."
"Yes, yes," the Monkey insists, "Indeed, I do. I am with him constantly. Piraeus is my very best friend."
Seeing the Monkey for what he truly is, the Dolphin feels a mix of disappointment and amusement. Without further delay, he shakes the Monkey off his back, leaving him to drift in the sea. The Monkey's cries for help echo briefly before the Dolphin swims away, his focus now on finding a genuine human to rescue.
The Monkey, left to fend for himself, learns a harsh lesson about honesty and humility. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, steadfast in their mission, continue to ferry the remaining shipwrecked souls to safety, their loyalty and wisdom undeterred by the Monkey's deceit. One falsehood, the tale reminds, leads to another, often with unexpected consequences.
