52 lyXEODrCTION TO COXCHOLOGY. 



Of late, small tackling from my body grew, 

 Tliiu sails I spread wlieu winds propitious blew ; 

 But when the seas were calm, to gaiu the shores, 

 I stretched my little feet, like lab'ring oars, 

 Aud, fi'om my busy limbs and paiuted side, 

 "Was called a Polyp, as I stemm'd the tide ; 

 Till driven by winds on Coan rocks I shone. 

 And now recline before Arsinoe's throne. 

 Depriv'd of life, no more on seas I rest. 

 Or draw young Halcyons fi'om the watery nest ; 

 But be this boon to Cliuea's daiighter given : 

 A virtuous maid, and fav'rite of liigh heaven ; 

 The precious boon may Silencea gaiu, 

 '\^*llen she from Smyrua ploughs the watery main. 



We learn from this beautiful Kttle poem that the Xautilus 

 was not only supposed to feed on the eggs of the halcyon^ 

 or kingfisher, but that the appearance of these birds upon the 

 waters was considered a favoiu'able omen ; Silencea therefore 

 propitiates the goddess, that she may be indulged with the 

 sight of them during her voyage. 



The shell of the Pearly Nautilus has been an object of 

 great interest since the period of its first discovery : at one 

 time dedicated to the Egyptian priestess, at another pre- 

 served as a most precious treasure, on account of its sur- 

 passing beauty. It is made into a drin "king-cup by the 

 inhabitants of the East, and cimouslv engraved with various 



