BIVALVES. r 45) 
One room contains them, and the partners dwell 
Beneath the convex of one sloping shell ; 
Deep in the watery vast the comrades rove, 
And mutual interest binds their constant love : 
That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells 
When in the circuit of his gaping shells 
Fish wand’ring enter; then the bearded guide 
Warns the dull mate, and pricks his tender side ; 
He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves, 
But hugs the advantage, and the pain forgives ; 
His closing shell, the Pinna sudden joins, 
And ’twixt the pressing sides his prey confines ; 
Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pair, 
Divide their gains, and all their plunder share. 
Oppian. 
