THE frugal snail, with forecast of repose, Carries his house with him where'er he goes; Peeps out, -- and if there comes a shower of rain, Retreats to his small domicile again. Touch but a tip of him, a horn, -- 't is well, -- He curls up in his sanctuary shell. He's his own landlord, his own tenant; stay Long as he will, he dreads no Quarter Day. Himself he boards and lodges; both invites And feats himself; sleeps with himself o' nights. He spares the upholsterer trouble to procure Chattels; himself is his own furniture, And his sole riches. Wheresoe'er he roam, -- Knock when you will, -- he's sure to be at home. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ABU SALAMMAMM - A SONG OF EMPIRE by EZRA POUND BATTLE-CRIES by LOUIS UNTERMEYER THE BATTLE-FIELD by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT CHRISTMAS by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR PHILOMELA: PHILOMELA'S ODE [THAT SHE SANG IN HER ARBOR] by ROBERT GREENE GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD MORNING by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES ANIMAL TRANQUILITY AND DECAY; A SKETCH by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH |