CRABS. Class V, 



Crabs, either of this kind, or allied to them, 

 the antients believed to have been the confentaneous 

 inmates of the pinn<e^ and other bivalves ; which 

 being too ftupid to perceive the approach of their 

 prey, were warned of it by their vigilant friend. 

 Oppian tells the fable prettily *. 



In clouded deeps below the Pinna hides, 

 And thro' the filent paths obfcurely glides ; 

 A ftupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care, 

 He fprms no bait, nor lays the tempting fnare. 

 But the dull fluggard boafts a Crab his friend, - 

 Whofe bufy eyes the coming prey attend. 

 One room contains them, and the partners dwell 

 Beneath the convex of one Hoping (hell - 9 

 Deep in the wat'ry vaft the comrades rove, 

 And mutual int'reft binds their conftant love ; 

 That wifer friend the lucky juncture tells, 

 When in the circuit of his gaping (hells 

 Fiih wand'ring enter -, then the bearded guide 

 Warns the dull mate, and pricks his tender fide ; 

 He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves, 

 But hugs th' advantage, and the pain forgives : 

 His clofing (hells the Pinna fudden joins, 

 And 'twixt the prefTmg fides his prey confines ; 

 Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pair 

 Divide their gains, and all the plunder fhare. 



• Halieut, lib. ii< He calls the crab n»woptAaf, cuftos Pinna, 



C. Lin, 



DSf 



