150 THE CLEODORA. 



which has a little yellowish semi-transparent shell, is 

 found in the Mediterranean. 



Closely allied to the hyalea is the genus Cleodora, in 

 which the shell is of a conical, and sometimes a globular 

 figure, without lateral fissures. On account of the form 

 of the shell this genus has been subdivided by M. Rang 

 into several sections. 



And now, with a question from one of our poets> 

 this chapter may be concluded. 



Hast thou heard of a shell on the margin of ocean, 



Whose pearly recesses the echoes still keep, 

 Of the music it caught when, with tremulous motion 



It joined in the concert poured forth by the deep ? 



And fables have told us, when far inland carried, 

 To the waste sandy desert, or dark ivied cave. 



In its musical chambers some murmurs have tarried 

 It learned long before of the wind and the wave. 



Oh ! thus should our spirits, which bear many a token 

 They are not of earth, but are exiles while here, 



Preserve in their banishment, pure and unbroken. 

 Some sweet treasured notes of their own native sphere. 



Though the dark clouds of sin may at times hover o'er us, 

 And the discords of earth may their melody mar, 



Yet to spirits redeemed some faint notes of that chorus 

 Which is borne by the blessed, will be brought from afar I 



