LIMPETS. 231 



' In Nature's all-instructive book. 

 Where can the eye of reason look. 

 And not some gainful lesson find. 

 To guide and satisfy 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 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, 

 'Tis seen its loved support to clasp. 

 With such tenacity of grasp, 

 We wonder that such strength should dwell 

 In such a small and simple shell. 

 And is not this a lesson, worth 

 The study of the sons of earth ? 

 Who need a rock so much as we ? 

 Ah ! who to such a rock can flee ? 

 A Rock, to strengthen, comfort, aid. 

 To guard, to shelter, and to shade ; 

 A Rock, where fruits celestial grow, 

 And whence refreshing waters flow. 



