When all is calm at sea, all still at land;

And there the ocean's produce to explore,

As floating by, or rolling on the shore;

Those living jellies[58] which the flesh inflame,

Fierce as a nettle, and from that its name;

Some in huge masses, some that you may bring

In the small compass of a lady's ring;

Figured by hand divine—there's not a gem

Wrought by man's art to be compared to them;

Soft, brilliant, tender, through the wave they glow,