To grass , or leaf , or fruit , or wall
The snail sticks close , not fears to fall
As if he grew there , house and all,
Together .
Within that house secure he hides
When danger imminent betides
Of storms , or other harm besides
Of weather .
Give but his horns the slightest touch,
His self-collecting power is such,
He shrinks into his house with much
Displeasure.
Where'er he dwells , he dwells alone ,
Except himself has chatells none ,
Well satisfied to be his own
Whole treasure.
Thurs, hermit-like, his life he leads ,
Nor partner of his banquet needs ,
And if he meets one , only feeds
The faster .
Who seeks him must be worse than blind ,
He and his house are so combined
Of, finding it , he fails to find
It's master .
Word nest
Imminent : likely to happen soon
Chatells : personal belongings
Banquet : an elaborate and formal evening
for many people