FOR CHILDREN, 159

That ’twas a stone was first his notion,

But soon discovered locomotion,

He recognized the coat of mail

And horny antlers of a snail,

Which some young rogue (we beg his pardon)

Had flung into his neighbour's garden.

The snail, all shattered and infirm,

Deplored his fate, and told the worm :—
* Alas!” says he, “ I know it well,

All this is owing to my shell ;

They could not send me up so high,

Describing circles in the sky,

But that, on this account, ’tis known

I bear resemblance to a stone:

Would I could rid me of my case,

And find a tenant for the place !

I'll make it known to all my kin ;—

This house to let—inquire within !”
“Good!” says the worm, “the bargain’s

struck ;

I take it, and admire my luck!

That shell, from which you'd fain be free,

Is just the very thing for me.

Oft have 1 wished, when danger calls,

For such impervious' castle walls,

Both for defence and shelter made,

From greedy crow, and murderous spade :

Yes, neighbour snail, I'll hire the room,

And pay the rent when strawberries come.”
* Do,” says the snail, “ and I'll declare

You'll find the place in good repair ;

\ Impervious— that cannot be passed through, inaccesstble.