50 INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



" The Nautilus and the Ammonite 



Were launched in storm and strife ; 

 Each sent to float in her tiny boat 

 On the wild, wild sea of life. 



" And each could swim in the ocean's brim. 

 And anon its sails could furl ; 

 And sink to sleep in the great sea deep. 

 In a palace all of pearl." 



Pope, in like manner, when recurring to the earHer condi- 

 tion of society, assumed that man first learned the art of 

 navigation from the Nautilus : — 



" Tor thus to man the voice of Nature spake : 

 Go, from the creatures thy instruction take ; 

 Learn of the little Nautilus to sail, 

 Spread the thin oar, and catch the driving gale." 



Eecent observations have, however, dissipated the illusions 

 of past ages and the fantasies of poets. But although the 

 Nautilus has neither sails nor oars, she is enabled to rise 

 from her dwelling in the fathomless abyss, and to float on 

 the surface of the water. 



" No star has she to guide her way, 

 Nor Tyriau cynosure." 



Yet still she saileth on, progressing without chart or 

 compass, and, undeterred by the perils of the deep, propel- 



