Oh! the times that I have been there, and the types that I have seen there Of that gorgeous Cockney animal, the “swell;' And the scores of pretty riders (both patricians and outsiders) Are considerably more than I can tell. . When first the warmer weather brought these people all together, And the crowds began to thicken through the Row, I reclined against the railing on a sunny day, in haling All the spirits that the breezes could bestow. And the riders and the walkers and the thinkers and the talkers Left me lonely in the thickest of the throng, Not a touch upon my shoulder-not a nod from one beholder As the stream of Art and Nature went along. But I brought away one image from that fashionable scrimmage, Of a figure and a face-ah, such a face! Love has photograph'd the features of that loveliest of creatures On my memory, as Love alone can trace. Did I hate the little dandy in the whiskers, (they were sandy), Whose absurd salute was honour'd by a smile? Did I marvel at his rudeness in presuming on her goodness, When she evidently loathed him all the while? Oh the hours that I have wasted, the regrets that I have tasted, Since the day (it seems a century ago) When my heart was won instanter, by a lady in a canter, On a certain sunny day in Rotten Row ! HENRY S. LEIGH. ST. GEORGE'S, HANOVER SQUARE. HE pass'd up the aisle on the arm of her sire, A delicate lady in bridal attire, Fair emblem of virgin simplicity; Half London was there, and, my word, there were few That stood by the altar, or hid in a pew, Beautiful Bride !-So meek in thy splendour, FREDERICK LOCKER. ZOOLOGICAL MEMORIES. H, Dora, my darling, can your recollec- Revert to a Sunday once early in When leaving your aunt's ever-watchful protec tion, You saucily said you'd "come back again soon, But must see the seal and the spotted hyena, And doted on zoöphytes, scarlet and blue Poor aunt left at three, and at six we'd not seen her, That bright summer Sunday we met at the Zoo. You wore, I remember, the nicest of dresses, So simple and fresh, though it would not compare With Miss Buhl's splendid train, while your sunny bright tresses Could never out-rival her "Brittany” hair : Her parasol shaded the costliest bonnet— 'Twas gorgeous and showy, 'twas heavy and new; While yours was of lace, with blush roses upon it, That gay summer Sunday we lounged in the Zoo. You recollect loitering down by the water— well; You said it was nonsense, and would not believe me I vowed, on my honour, 'twas perfectly trueThose lashes down-drooping could never deceive me, That sweet summer Sunday we passed at the Zoo. While strolling around that green pond edged with rushes I wished we could wander for miles and for miles Your eyes brightly shone, whilst the loveliest blushes Flushed cheeks dimpled o'er by the sweetest of smiles. Then archly you said, with the sweetest of glances, "Who flirted at Prince's with Lily and Loo? What makes you so churlish at dinners and dances, When you can be so nice when we meet at the Zoo?" How swift flew the hours as we wandered together, Forgetful of Aunt as she sat in the shade! 'Twas really too bad in that broiling hot weather; And when we returned what excuses you made! "Past six, Aunt? It can't be! You surely are joking We've not seen the zebra nor red kangaroo !" Then prettily pouting, you looked so provoking, That fine summer Sunday we roamed at the Zoo. While bright autumn leaves in the country are falling, And London is empty, the butterflies flown; That sunshiny Sunday I can't help recalling, As I sit in dull chambers and ponder alone. And now you are down at "The Larches," my treasure, To find short days long, for there's nothing to do; Does ever come o'er you with exquisite pleasure The thought of that Sunday we loved at the Zoo? J. ASHBY STERRY. SONGS OF SOCIETY. 25 TO A CHILD OF QUALITY, FIVE YEARS OLD (1704), THE AUTHOR THEN FORTY. ORDS, knights, and squires, the numerous band That wear the fair Miss Mary's Were summon'd by her high command, My pen amongst the rest I took, Lest those bright eyes that cannot read Should dart their kindling fires, and look The power they have to be obey'd. Nor quality, nor reputation, Forbid me yet my flame to tell; For while she makes her silkworms beds She may receive and own my flame, For though the strictest prudes should know it, She'll pass for a most virtuous dame, And I for an unhappy poet. Then, too, alas! when she shall tear The rhymes some younger rival sends; |