Then, oft, some curious stone, or shell,
The laughing girls and boys
Would find, upon their aprons fell,
To put among their toys.
"These pearly shells," said he, "I found
Where gloomy waters roar:
These polished stones, so smooth and round,
Rough surges washed ashore.
"Though small to us a pebble seems,
'Tis made and marked by One,
Who gave the warmth, and lit the beams
Of yon great shining sun.
"And when these pretty shells I find,
Along the ocean strand,
Their beauteous finish brings to mind
Their Maker's perfect hand.
"When on the wildest shore I'm thrown
And far from human eye,
I think of him who made the stone,
And shell, and sea, and sky.
"For he's my Friend and I am his!
Though strong and cold the blast,
My safest guide I know he is
Where'er my lot is cast."
When Tom passed on, the children said,
"These treasures from afar
He brought us! Blessings on his head!
For he's a good Tom Tar!"
=The Envious Lobster=
A FABLE
A Lobster from the water came,
And saw another, just the same
In form and size; but gayly clad
In scarlet clothing; while she had
No other clothing on her back
Than her old suit of greenish black.
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