Secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster.

It's a wery remarkable circumstance, sir," said Sam, "that poverty and oysters always seem to go together."

If that a pearl may in a toad's head dwell, And may be found too in an oyster shell.

He was a bold man that first eat an oyster.

I will not be sworn but love may transform me to an oyster; but I'll take my oath on it, till he have made an oyster of me he shall never make me such a fool.

'Twere better to be born a stone Of ruder shape, and feeling none, Than with a tenderness like mine And sensibilities so fine! Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell Forever in my native shell, Ordained to move when others please, Not for my own content or ease; But toss'd and buffeted about, Now in the water and now out.