150 WESTERN SERIES OF READERS. 



XII. 



Thus they marched to the dining-room, which, by the way, 

 Was a lovely broad rock in a snug little bay ; 

 And they sat down by twos, 



With old Crab at the head, 

 W T hile his wife, at the foot, 

 Was blushing quite red, 



For her partner, young Lobster, was praising her beauty, 

 And saying he really was doing his duty. 



XIII. 



There were Limpet and Shrimp sitting snugly together, 

 While Flounder and Toadfish looked fine as a feather ; 

 And prickly Sea-urchin 



And purple Starfish 

 Were lovingly eating 



Out of one dish; 



And a great Abalone was sharing his plate 

 With a delicate Jelly-fish, who was his mate. 



XIV. 



Thus they chatted and feasted until it was time 

 For them all to depart : so I '11 finish my rhyme. 

 And when Mr. Crab said, 



" Now, each choose a p resent, " 

 They cried with one voice, 



" We have had such a pleasant 



And sociable time, that our only request 

 Is, that you and our hostess may ever be 

 blest." 



