My stockings there I often knit, "And often after supper, sir, "When it is light and fair, I take my little porringer, And eat my supper there. "The first that died was little Jane, "In bed she moaning lay, " "Till GOD released her of her pain, "And then she went away. "So in the church-yard she was laid, And, all the summer day, 66 Together round her grave we play'd, "And when the ground was white with snow, And I could run and slide, My brother John was forced to go, "How many are you then, said I, If they two are in heaven?" The little maiden did reply, Oh, master, we are seven." But they are dead, those two are dead, Their spirits are in heaven." 'Twas throwing words away, for still, The little maid would have her will, And said, "Nay, we are seven." THE THREE WARNINGS.-Mrs. Thrale. THE tree of deepest root is found Least willing still to quit the gound; G し "Twas therefore said, by ancient sages, When sports went round and all were gay, 66 And looking grave-" You must," says he, "Quit your sweet bride, and come with me!" "With you! and quit my Susan's side! "With you!" the hapless husband cried: Young as I am! 'tis monstrous hard! Besides, in truth, I'm not prepar'd: "My thoughts on other matters go, "This is my wedding-day, you know." What more he urged I have not heard, His reasons could not well be stronger; Yet calling up a serious look, 66 His hour-glass trembled while he spokeNeighbour," he said, " farewell! no more "Shall Death disturb your mirthful hour; "And farther, to avoid all blame "Of cruelty upon my name, "To give you time for preparation, "Three several warnings you shall have "And grant a kind reprieve; "In hopes you'll have no more to say, "But when I call again this way, "Well pleased the world will leave." To these conditions both consented, And parted perfectly contented. What next the hero of our tale befel, He chaffered then; he bought and sold; But while he viewed his wealth increase, Brought on his eightieth year. The unwelcome messenger of fate Half killed with anger and surprise, 66 ""Tis six-and-forty years at least, "And you are now fourscore!" "So much the worse," the clown rejoin'd, "To spare the aged would be kind; "Beside, you promised me Three Warnings "Which I have looked for nights and mornings." "I know,” cries Death," that at the best, "I seldom am a welcome guest; "But don't be captious, friend, at least:"I little thought you'd still be able "To stump about your farm and stable : "Your ears have run to a great length : "I wish you joy, though, of your strength!". "Hold," says the farmer," not so fast! "I have been lame these four years past." "And no great wonder," Death replies ; 66 However, you still keep your eyes; "And sure to see one's loves and friends "This is a shocking tale, 'tis true, I warrant you hear all the news." "There's none," cries he, " and if there were, "I'm grown so deaf, I could not hear." "Nay, then," the spectre stern rejoined, "These are unjustifiable yearnings;" "If you are lame, and deaf, and blind, "You've had your three sufficient warnings; "So come along! no more we'll part." He said; and touched him with his dart : And now old Dobson, turning pale, Yields to his fate!-So ends my tale. EXTRACTS FROM SOME OF OUR MOST ADMIRED POETS. SPENSER. FROM AN HYMN OF HEAVENLY LOVE. O THOU most blessed Spirit, pure lampe of light, In which thou wallow'st like to filthy swine, That thou His soveraigne bounty maist behold, Begin from first where He encradled was When Him the silly shepheards came to see, |