Page:Zinzendorff and Other Poems.pdf/105

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It is a fact familiar to Conchologists, that the genus Pholas, possesses the property of phosphorescence. It has been asserted, that this may be restored, even when the animal is in a dried state, by the application of water; but is extinguished by the least quantity of brandy.

thing! on ocean's pity thrown, Protected by no parent's care, Slow softener of the rugged stone, To scoop a hermit-mansion there,* Say,—wert thou born 'mid coral caves Where pearly gems their lustre shed? Or where the pensile sea-weed waves Like cypress o'er the unburied dead?

Or didst thou fold thine armour white In terror at the tempest's roar? Or calmly shed a brilliant light 'Neath some o'ershadowing madrepore? Ah! would that man were prompt to learn The lesson thou art prone to teach, Wise, from thy dark testaceous urn, And eloquent, tho' void of speech.

Thou warn'st him that the ethereal mind, That spark of Heaven's enkindled ray, By genial Temperance refin'd,    Still brightens toward the perfect day;