L Nightfall: A Picture. OW burns the summer afternoon; A mellow lustre lights the scene; And from its smiling beauty soon The purpling shade will chase the sheen. The old, quaint homestead's windows blaze; Within the barn, and makes it glow. Like carving, on some gnawing ratWith sun-bathed hay and rafters bent, Nooked cobwebbed homes of wasp and bat. The harness, bridle, saddle, dart Gleam from the lower, rough expanse; At either side the stooping cart WHY That in thy orb the wretched may have rest; The sufferers of the earth perhaps may go, Released by death, to thy benignant sphere, And the sad children of despair and woe Forget, in thee, their cup of sorrow here. Oh that I soon may reach thy world serene, Poor wearied pilgrim in this toiling scene! -Charlotte Smith. The Primroses, Filled with Morning Dew. HY do ye weep, sweet babes? Can tears Who were but born Just as the modest morn Alas! you have not known that shower That mars a flower, Nor felt the unkind Breath of a blasting wind; Who think it strange to see Such pretty flowers, like to orphans young, Speaking by tears before ye have a tongue. Speak, whimp'ring younglings, and make known The reason why Ye droop and weep; Is it for want of sleep, Or childish lullaby? Or that ye have not seen as yet Or brought a kiss From that sweet heart to this? By your tears shed, Would have this lecture read, "That things of greatest, so of meanest worth, Conceived with grief are, and with tears brought forth." Robert Herrick. HEN took the generous host THE The Rose. [From "Hassen Ben Khaled."] A basket filled with roses. Every guest Cried, "Give me roses!" and he thus addressed His words to all: "He who exalts them most In song, he only shall the roses wear." Then sang a guest: "The rose's cheeks are fair; When from her face the bridegroom lifts the veil.” -Bayard Taylor. |