The Shell that roll’d beneath the Ocean’s wave—
Shell now no more: a gradual Change came on,
And the thin Shell became the Solid Stone.
Yet Shape and Size and Hue and Hinge remain’d,
And a Stone-fish the rocky Valves contain’d.
This led to Questions from the curious Mind; 850
But who shall Answers to these Questions find?
“Such Wonders are,” replied the Sire; “no more
I know, my Child; be silent and adore!”
Oft would the Lass with either Parent go