His inattention to money matters had incensed his father to such a degree, that all intercession of friends in his favour, was fruitless. The old gentleman was on his death bed. The whole family (and Dick among the number) gathered around him. "I leave my second son Andrew," said the expiring miser, "my whole estate; and desire him to be frugal." Andrew, in a sorrowful tone (as is usual on those occasions) prayed Heaven to prolong his life and health to enjoy it himself! "I recommend Simon, my third son, to the care of his elder brother; and leave him, beside, four thousand pounds." "Ah! father," cried Simon (in great affliction to be sure) "may Heaven give you life and health to enjoy it yourself!" At last-turning to poor Dick, "as for you, you have always been a sad dog; you'll never come to good; you'll never be rich; I leave you a shilling, to buy a halter " "Ah! father," cries Dick, without any emotion, may Heaven give you life and health to enjoy it yourself!" THE APOSTROPHE TO LIGHT. MILTON. Hail, holy Light, offspring of Heav'n first-born,' Or of th' Eternal coeternal beam, May I express thee unblam'd! Since God is light, Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee, Won from the void and formless infinite. Escap'd the Stygian pool, though long detain'd I sung of Chaos and eternal Night; Of Nature's works to me expung'd and raz'd; Shine inward, and the Mind through all her powers Irradiate, there plant eyes, all mist from thence LUCY. WORDSWORTH. Three years she grew in sun and shower, On earth was never sown; This child I to myself will take; "Myself will to my darling be In earth and heaven, in glade and bower, To kindle and restrain. "She shall be sportive as the fawn And hers shall be the breathing balm "The floating clouds their state shall lend Nor shall she fail to see Even in the motions of the storm Grace that shall mould the maiden's form By silent sympathy. "The stars of midnight shall be dear To her; and she shall lean her ear In many a secret place Where rivulets dance their wayward round; Shall pass into her face. "And vital feelings of delight Such thoughts to Lucy I will give Here in this happy dell." Thus Nature spake. -The work was done How soon my Lucy's race was run! She died, and left to me This health, this calm and quiet scene; ALEXANDER'S FEAST. DRYDEN. "Twas at the royal feast for Persia won By Philip's warlike son: Aloft, in awful state, The godlike hero sat On his imperial throne; His valiant peer's were plac'd around, Their brows with roses and with myrtle bound: The lovely Thais, by his side, Sat, like a blooming eastern bride, Happy, happy, happy pair! None but the brave,-none but the brave,-none but the brave deserves the fair! Timotheous, plac'd on high, Amid the tuneful choir, With flying fingers touch'd the lyre; The trembling notes ascend the sky, The song began from Jove! Who left his blissful seats above- When he to fair Olympia press'd; And, while he sought her snowy breast, And stamp'd an image of himself, a sovereign of the world! The listening crowd admire the lofty sound; The monarch hears, And seems to shake the spheres. The praise of Bacchus, then, the sweet musician sung: Of Bacchus ever fair and ever young. He shows his honest face: Now give the hautboys breath;-he comes!-he comes! Bacchus, ever fair and young, Drinking joys did first ordain: Bacchus' blessings are a treasure,— Drinking is the soldier's pleasure! Rich the treasure Sweet the pleasure; Sweet is pleasure after pain. Sooth'd with the sound, the king grew vain; Fought all his battles o'er again: And thrice he routed all his foes; and thrice he slew the slain. The master saw the madness rise, His glowing cheeks, his ardent eyes; |