THE SEA-SHELL'S ANSWER. 77 



IV. 



Then the fair shell replied : Long ago it was said 



That the skeptic would doubt though one rose from the dead. 



Your questions are right, and the answers are plain, 



But approach me with faith, or your search will be vain. 



V. 



Seek for what is revealed, nor with less be content ; 

 For -with every fair form a true message is sent. 

 Could the dull mollusk see what to you is so plain? 

 Or could beautiful lines bring to him aught of gain? 



VI. 



Lo, a Power divine in all nature is found ; 



A Power omniscient, unfailing, profound ; 



A great Heart, that loves beauty, and order, and light, 



In the flowers, in the shells, in the stars of the night. 



VII. 



And this Power divine, this Heart wondrous kind, 



Bids us work out a message to each human mind. 



So we build as He guides us ; and happy is he 



Who can read God's great thoughts in the shells of the sea. 



