THE COOL, IMPASSIVE OYSTER

"...In spite of foes, which everywhere abound,

The cool, impassive oyster keeps his ground;

Tenacious, firm, in temper unexcelled,

His mouth kept shut, unless he is compelled,

And then imparting only what he should,

Not for his own, but for the public good,

All sweet, agreeable, in perfect taste,

With naught superfluous to vex - or waste;

Unselfishly relinquishing his ease,

His only object seems to be to please."

- G. Benham