of the fruit from the flower. He left the village for the metropolis, and was educated to the bar. He was admired and caressed by his acquaintance, became dissipated, ruined his father's fortune, and died the death of a prodigal at five and twenty." "And his brother Tom, who overturned the bench upon which Jack Williams and his cousin were seated ?" "He imitated the example set by father Adam; and by cultivating the earth, supported his aged parents. If more would do so, the world would be happier." As we walked to the village he gave me a brief history of the whole of our school mates, and the picture presented a vast deal more of shade than sunshine. Life may be compared to a tree in full bearing. Of the multitude of blossoms, how many are nipped in the bud! Of the fruit, more than half falls in its green state, and of that which attains maturity, much goes to decay before it is gathered to use. THE DELUGE. BY FREDERIC S. ECKARD. ONE last strong effort and he gain'd The lingering rock which yet remain'd He had invoked despair,-she gave There was no hope! a frowning sky An universal tomb, Yet from his glance they could not hide The frightful secrets of their tide. There was no hope! and now he stood So long had storm and madness been, That with the lightning's lurid glow, His thoughts flash'd wildly o'er his wo: "Earth! earth! the doom may be withdrawn, The raging wave subside, And God's pure day once more may dawn But yet, though surge and cloud disperse, Like a dim terror laid on thee! "Fierce and unnatural in thy crime, Waning from nature's earlier prime, And all we cherish'd swept away, As things too worthless for the day." The voice was hush'd-a sudden bound, A foaming on the wave, And the vex'd waters closed around Their last unquiet grave; The same Almighty power which bade Ruin and woe his works invade, Relented now to save; And slowly at the strong command WHEN THOU ART NEAR. BY ROBERT SWEENY. WHEN thou art near One smile of thine, one sunny ray Can chase the griefs that linger here: Like morning mists they melt away When thou art near. When thou art near The birds their softest notes resume, The streamlet flows more purely clear; The flowers put forth their richest bloom When thou art near. When thou art near My lute-whose chords, if touch'd alone, Breathe saddest music to mine ear How grateful is its alter'd tone When thou art near. |