16 
ANIMAL LIFE ON THE 
CHAPTEE 11. 
ON THE SHORE. 
Down on the stony, pebbly shore, 
On the verge of the silvery brine, 
O'er sandy bays, through fairy caves, 
Where the mermaids were wont to dine. 
0 what a world of wonders Ihere, 
All unheeded, we trample o'er; 
Nor know a tithe of the glories 
Of God's kingdom down on the shore. 
Like a fall of glistening hailstones 
Whitening rocks and stones everywhere ; 
Balanus in countless millions. 
With neighbour Serpula, is there. 
In their self-built castles of stone, 
Dressed in habits of gorgeous sheen. 
Each feasting and living at will. 
Far beyond the life of a queen. 
On the sheltered far-ebbing bay 
Lives the cockle, queen of the sands, 
And vieing in beauty of outward robes 
Is Venus adorned in her bands. 
Self-anchored for life to the shore 
The mussel contentedly dwells. 
With fishermen's purses of gold 
Locked up in their blue-coated shells. 
There the dog-wilk goes ploughing along, 
Intent on his cannibal ways, 
Even down through his neighbour's hard shells 
With his wonderful wimble he preys. 
