CRAB. 
541 
imports) is not larger than a pea ; but what renders 
it of importance, notwithstanding its diminutive 
size, is the service which it is supposed to render 
certain shell-fish, by warning them when their prey 
is at hand. However idle this supposition may be, 
we can readily excuse it, since it has drawn from 
the pen of Oppian some very pretty lines, of which 
the following is a translation. 
(< In clouded deeps below the pinna* hides. 
And through the silent paths obscurely glides 3 
A stupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care. 
He forms no bait, nor lays the tempting snare : 
But the dull sluggard boasts a crab his friend. 
Whose busy eyes the coming prey attend. 
One room contains them, and the partners dwell 
Beneath the convex of one sloping shell 5 
Deep in the wat’ry vast the comrades rove. 
And mutual interest binds their constant love ; 
That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells. 
When in the circuit of the gaping shells 
Fish, wand’ring, enter ; then the bearded guide 
Warns the dull mate, and pricks his tender side 5 
He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves. 
But hugs th’ advantage, and the pain forgives : 
His closing shells the Pinna sudden joins. 
And ’twixt the pressing sides his prey confines 3 — 
Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pair 
Divide their gains, and all the plunder share.” 
* A bivalve shell somewhat resembling a muscle, but considera- 
bly larger. 
