THE LIMPET. 



Ill 



cavations, tolerably deep, which they have hollowed in 

 the substance of the rock. Its adhesive power is truly 

 astonishing ; if, prior to removing a patella, it is first 

 touched, and thus, as it were, apprized of the intent, it is 

 impossible to get it away, and the shell might sooner 

 be broken, unless a plate of iron be passed between the 

 foot of the animal and the rock. This power is owing 

 to the great quantity of the vertical fibres of the foot, 

 which, by raising the middle part, form a hollow^ in 

 the centre, and consequently a sort of sucker. 

 Well, then, has it been said : — 



In nature's all-instructive book, 



Where can the eye of reason look, 



And not some gainful lesson find 



To guide and fortify the mind ? 



The simple shell on yonder rock 



May seem, perchance, this book to mock ; 



Approach it then, and learn its ways, 



And learn the lesson it conveys. 



At distance viewed, it seems to lie 



On its rough bed so carelessly, 



That 'twould an infant's hand obey 



Stretched forth to seize it in its'play : 



But let that infant's hand draw near, 



It shrinks with quick instinctive fear, 



And clings as close as though the stone 



It rests upon, and it, were one : 



And should the strongest arm endeavour 



The limpet from its rock to sever, 



