xcellence in xigency; he was xemplary in xternals, but xtrinsic on xamination; he was xtatic under xhortation, xtreme in xcitement, and xtraordinary in xtempore xpression. He was xpatriated for his xcesses; and, to xpiate his xtravagance, xisted and xpired in xile.

Here is another kind of alliterative versification:

To MRS. GEE ON HER MARRIAGE.

Sure, madam, by your choice your taste we see ;
What's good, or great, or grand, without a G?
A godly glow must sure on G depend,

Or oddly low our righteous thoughts must end.
The want of G all gratitude effaces;

And, without G, the Graces would run races!

The Latin language has also had its versifiers of this kind, for we find that one Hugbald, a monk, wrote an "Ecloga de Calvis," in which all the words begin with a c.

So also in the "Nugæ

Venales," there is a Latin poem of a hundred lines called "Pugna Porcorum, per Publium Porcium, poetam," in which all the words begin with a p. Subjoined are a few lines of this curious effusion:

"Propterea properans Proconsul, poplite prono,
Præcipitem Plebem, pro patrum pace proposeit.
Persta paulisper, pubes preciosa! precamur.
Pensa profectum parvum pugnæ peragendæ.
Plures plorabant, postquam præcelsa premetur

Prælatura patrum, porcelli percutientur

Passim, posteaquam pingues porci periere."

A Latin poem in praise of William III. commences thus:

"Agglomerata acies, addensans agminis alas,
Advolat auxiliis, arvoque effulget aperto :
Auriacusque ardens animis, animosior arte,
Auctoratus adest, arma aureus, aureus arma
Adfremit; auratis armis accingitur armos."

Perhaps the most notable Latin example is a poem written by Christianus Pierius, called "Christus Cruxifixus," said to extend to nearly one thousand lines, each word of which begins with c

"Consilebratulæ cunctorum carmine certum," &c.

Whatever beauty or utility may lie in alliteration, it is to be found largely in the proverbial expressions and common sayings of all countries. Thus, in our own, we frequently couple "hearts and hands," "hearths and homes," "life and limb," "great and good;" whilst in proverbs we have "Better buy than borrow," "Wilful waste makes woful want," "Love me little, love me long," "Like master like man," ," "Money makes the mare to go," "A true tale never tines (loses) in the telling," &c., &c.

Our last instance of alliteration is one picked up in a provincial newspaper, containing an account of a local fête, and not only the words, but each syllable in the line, begins with the same letter: "Let lovely lilies line Lee's lonely lane."

ALPHABETIC CURIOSITIES-SINGLE-RHYMED

ALPHABETS.

As a fitting pendant to alliteration, though only in a slight degree connected with it, we give here some alphabetic curiosities.

ACROSTIC VERSES ON WRITING (circa 1785).

All letters even at the head and feet must stand;
Bear light your pen and keep a steady hand;
Carefully mind to mend in every line-

Down strokes are black, but upper strokes are fine.
Enlarge your writing if it be too small;

Full in proportion make your letters all;

Game not in school-time, when you ought to write;

Hold in your elbow, sit fair to the light.

Join all your letters by a fine hair-stroke;

Keep free from blots your piece and writing-book.
Learn the command of hand by frequent use;

Much practice doth to penmanship conduce.

Never deny the lower boys assistance;
Observe from word to word an equal distance.
Provide yourself of all things necessary;

Quarrel not in school though others dare you.
Rule your lines straight and make them very fine;
Set stems of letters fair above the line,

The tops above the stems-the tails below;

Use pounce to paper if the ink goes through.

Veer well your piece, compare how much you've mended;

Wipe clean your pen when all your task is ended. Your spelling mind-write each word true and well; Zealously strive your fellows to excel.

LIFE'S ALPHABET.

Active in life's race we start,
Bounding on with joyous heart,
Counting neither cost nor pain,
Dazzled with the hopes of gain;
Earthly pleasures, earthly joys,
Flock around us merry boys.

Gracefully we lead the van,
Honours wait the "coming man,"-
Indian wealth and Grecian fame
Join to raise an honoured name.
Kingdoms tremble at our tread,
Laurels wait to crown our head.

Measured next our steady pace—
Nothing wears so bright a face.

D

Oft we think our labours vain,
Pleasures linger on the wane;
Quickly from our eager grasp
Rush the phantoms of the past.

Stooping, then, amid the strife,
Tempest-tossed and tired of life,
Unadorned with laurels rare,
Vain the hope to do and dare;
Welcome now the lowly bed-
Youthful visions all are fled.

The following was originally published at the time of the Crimean War, each line being accompanied by an appropriate illustration designed by R. B. Brough:

THE TURKISH ALPHABET.

A was an Aberdeen wise in debates :

B was a Bear taught to dance on hot plates;
C was a Czar who would whip round the world;
D the Defiance that at him was hurled.

E was an Emperor struck with dismay;

F was a Frenchman in Besika Bay.

G was the Greeks who for freedom would strike;

H was a Hospodar warranted like.

I was an Insult that hurt the Porte's pride;

J was a Jassy by friends occupied.

K was the Knife to which war was declared;

L was a Lion, and how much he cared.

M was a Minister sniffing a row;

N was a Newspaper, Turkey's friend now.