UNIONID^ AND MYTILID^. 85 



perils and sufferings have been the theme of many a disser- 

 tation. The death of one of these men in pursuing his 

 occupation, gave rise to the following truly poetical stanzas. 

 Introducing the pearl as adorning a lady^s head-dress, the 

 poet says: — 



" There it lies, 

 A lily pale and bright. 

 Yet what doth all avail, — 

 All its beauties, all its grace. 

 All the honour of its place ? 

 He who pluck'd it from its bed, 

 In the far blue Indian Ocean, 

 Lieth without life or motion. 

 In its earthly dwelling, dead. 

 And his children, one by one. 

 As they look upon the sun. 

 Curse the toil by which he drew 

 That treasure from its bed of blue. 

 Gentle bride, no longer wear 

 Such a spoil ; it is not fit 

 That thy tender soul should sit 

 Under such a cursed gem : 

 Needest thou a diadem ? 

 Oh ! sweet lady, cast aside 

 With a noble, gentle pride, 

 All that is to pain allied." 



As no pain, sorrow, or danger is however associated with 

 British pearl-Hshing, we may venture to reply, in lines as 



