Precious creature, himself. Nature sent him here to abide here;

Else why send him at all? Nature wants him still, it is likely;

On the whole, we are meant to look after ourselves; it is certain

Each has to eat for himself, digest for himself, and in general

Care for his own dear life, and see to his own preservation;

Nature’s intentions, in most things uncertain, in this are decisive;

Which, on the whole, I conjecture the Romans will follow, and I shall.

So we cling to our rocks like limpets; Ocean may bluster,

Over and under and round us; we open our shells to imbibe our

Nourishment, close them again, and are safe, fulfilling the purpose