And greet them by the way.
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,