And after cordial greetings, thus went on In fancy's dream our colloquy, dear John. P.—————— Enter, my friend, our beehive cottage door : No carpet hides the humble earthen floor, But it is hard as brick, clean-swept and cool: You must be wearied? Take that jointed stool; Or on this couch of leopard-skin recline ; F. Why, Pringle, yes-your cabin's snug enough, Though oddly shaped. But as for household stuff, I only see some rough-hewn sticks and spars ; A wicker cupboard, filled with flasks and jars ; A pile of books, on rustic framework placed ; Hides of ferocious beasts that roam the waste; Whose kindred prowl, perchance, around this spot – The only neighbours, I suspect, you've got! Your furniture, rude from the forest cut, However, is in keeping with the hut. This couch feels pleasant: is 't with grass you stuff it? So far I should not care with you to rough it. But pardon me for seeming somewhat rude · In this wild place how manage ye for food. P.-You'll find, at least, my friend, we do not starve: There's always mutton, if nought else, to carve ; And even of luxuries we have our share. But here comes dinner (the best bill of fare), Drest by that "Nut Brown Maiden," Vytjè Vaal. [To the HOTTENTOT GIRL.] Meid, roep de Juf frouwen naar 't middagmaal. [To F.] Which means "The ladies in to dinner call." [Enter MRS. P. and her sister, who welcome their guest to Africa. The party take their seats, and conversation proceeds.] P.— First, here's our broad-tailed mutton, small The dish on which nine days in ten we dine; Broiled on a forked twig; and peppered hot A slice of water melon ? - fine for drouth, Here too are wild grapes from our forest vine, But come, let's crown the banquet with some wine: Stein ? Well!- not to tease you with a thirsty jest, And certes, though it keeps the old kaap smaak, bairn ! 66 to all our friends," Fair F.-Well, I admit, my friend, your dinner 's good, Spring-bok and porcupine are dainty food; That lordly paauw was roasted to a turn, And in your country fruits and Cape Sauterne, The wildish flavour's really not unpleasant, And I may say the same of gnu and pheasant. But, Mrs. Pringle - shall I have the pleasure? Miss Brown some wine? quite a treasure). What, leave us now? But since you will go (these quaighs are I've much to ask of you for an hour adieu. [Exeunt Ladies.] But, Pringle- " à nos moutons revenons For one who once seemed fairer joys to prize? 66 Was always within reach of books and men ; You might as well squat in a Caffer's cot! As if, believing, with insane Rousseau, Be frank; confess the fact you cannot hide P.-You've missed the mark, Fairbairn; my breast is clear; Nor wild Romance nor Pride allured me here: Constrained my steps: I had no other choice. ADDRESS TO A STEAM VESSEL. BY JOANNA BAILLIE. FREIGHTED with passengers of every sort, And, on his bench apart, the fiddler playing, |