Eighteen hundred increased by ten; - Little of all we value here Wakes on the morn of its hundredth year In fact there's nothing that keeeps its youth, (This is a moral that runs at large; Take it. You're welcome. - No extra charge.) But nothing local, as one may say. There couldn't be, for the deacon's art Had made it so like in every part That there wasn't a chance for one to start. First of November, 'Fifty-five! This morning the parson takes a drive. Now, small boys, get out of the way! Here comes the wonderful one-hoss shay, Drawn by a rat-tailed, ewe-necked bay. "Huddup!" said the parson. - Off went they. The parson was working his Sunday's textHad got to fifthly, and stopped perplexed At what the Moses All at once the horse stood still, Close by the meet'n'-house on the hill. First a shiver, and then a thrill, Then something decidedly like a spill, — What do you think the parson found, End of the wonderful one-hoss shay. Logic is logic. That's all I say. Oliver Wendell Holmes CAPTAIN REECE Of all the ships upon the blue, He was adored by all his men, If ever they were dull or sad, Their captain danced to them like mad, A feather bed had every man, Warm slippers and hot-water can, Brown Windsor from the captain's store, Did they with thirst in summer burn? And on all very sultry days Cream ices handed round on trays. Then currant wine and ginger pops New volumes came across the sea Kind-hearted Captain Reece, R. N., One summer eve, at half-past ten, He said (addressing all his men): 66 Come, tell me, please, what I can do To please and gratify my crew. "By any reasonable plan I'll make you happy if I can; My own convenience count as nil; Then up and answered William Lee "You have a daughter, Captain Reece, "Now, somehow, sir, it seems to me, More friendly-like we all should be If you united of 'em to Unmarried members of the crew. "If you'd ameliorate our life, Let each select from them a wife; Good Captain Reece, that worthy man, "My daughter, that enchanting gurl, Has just been promised to an earl, And all my other familee To peers of various degree. "But what are dukes and viscounts to The happiness of all my crew? "As you desire it shall befall, 66 66 I'll settle thousands on you all, The boatswain of The Mantelpiece, He blushed, and spoke to Captain Reece: I beg your honor's leave," he said; "If you would wish to go and wed, "I have a widowed mother who Would be the very thing for you The captain saw the dame that day- "Well, well, the chaplain I will seek, The sisters, cousins, aunts, and niece, It was their duty, and they did. William S. Gilbert THE COURTIN' God makes sech nights, all white an' still Zekle crep' up quite unbeknown A fireplace filled the room's one side There warn't no stoves (tell comfort died) The wa'nut logs shot sparkles out An' leetle flames danced all about Agin the chimbley crook-necks hung, The ole queen's-arm thet gran❜ther Young The very room, coz she was in, Seemed warm from floor to ceilin', An' she looked full ez rosy agin 'Twas kin' o' kingdom-come to look Ain't modester nor sweeter. |