Castor and Pollux

Acts xxviii. 11.CASTOR and POLLUX. It is said in the Acts of the Apostles,¹ that the Vessel which S. Paul embarked in when he was carried to Rome, in order to appear before the Emperor, had the Sign of Castor and Pollux. Now, Castor and Pollux were two Brothers, Sons of Jupiter and Leda, who sprung, as they say, from the same Egg; for which reason they were represented each with half an Egg Shell in his hand. Jupiter was thought to have conversed with Leda in the form of a Swan. Castor and Pollux were in great Reputation for their Valour, and particularly for the War which they made against Corsairs and Pirates. For this piece of merit they had Divine Honours paid them, and Seamen particularly shewed a great deal of Devotion to them. They were called upon in all Storms, and People made Vows to them when they took shipping. The Vessel which S. Paul sailed in, was called Dioscuri, or Castor and Pollux; because their Images were either painted or carved upon the Prow. There was besides some other Deity upon the Stern; and these were looked upon as the Patrons and tutelary Gods of the Vessel. See our Comment upon the Acts, xxviii. 11.

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