Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume V. Nature. 1904. | | | | VI. Animate Nature | | The Housekeeper | | Charles Lamb (1775–1834) |
| | | 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,— | 5 |
| 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 feasts himself; sleeps with himself o’ nights. | 10 |
| 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. | | | | |
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