But all their plans were scattered in a moment when they found The vessel was a convict ship from Portland, outward bound; When a boat came off to fetch them, though they felt it very kind, To go on board they firmly but respectfully declined. As both the happy settlers roared with laughter at the joke, They laughed no more, for SOMERS thought he had been rather rash In knowing one whose friend had misappropriated cash; And PETER thought a foolish tack he must have gone upon In making the acquaintance of a friend of ROBINSON. At first they didn't quarrel very openly, I've heard; They nodded when they met, and now and then exchanged a word: To allocate the island they agreed by word of mouth, And PETER takes the north again, and SOMERS takes the south ; Bab AT A PANTOMIME. BY A BILIOUS ONE. A N Actor sits in doubtful gloom, In a damp funereal dressing-room He comes to town at Christmas-time, And braves its icy breath, To play in that favourite pantomime, Harlequin Life and Death. A hoary flowing wig his weird He hangs a long benevolent beard To smooth his ghastly features down A long and a flowing padded gown He cries, "Go on-begin, begin! I'm dressed for jolly Old Christmas, in The curtain's up-the stage all black- The wand of Time is waved, and lo! And little children chuckle and crow, The cruel old scoundrel brightens up The little ones hail the festive King,- They only see in the humbug old And handsome gifts, and joys untold, The old ones, palsied, blear, and hoar, Their breasts in anguish beatThey've seen him seventy times before, How well they know the cheat! They've seen that ghastly pantomime, |