A LAST RESOURCE. LONE on India's burning plain, A mortal many hours had lain Mosquitoes with a constant buzz Came flocking round their prize : (It varies the mosquito doesIn appetite and size.) But, though it varies as to form, And varies as to thirst, In Asia, (where the nights are warm,) Anon their victim waved his arm To scare them from their feed; But found, alas! that their alarm Then other remedies he sought, And, in the silence of the night, “I've had enough of these attacks— Enough and rather more!" (His voice had now begun to wax Much louder than before. The hearers trembled, one and all; Dead stillness reign'd around : You might have heard a needle fall The hush was so profound.) "When I was living far away- Across the briny deep I laid me down one summer day To try to go to sleep; When, lo! as I began to see A prospect of repose, There straightway came a humble-bee Who buzz'd about my nose. "I ever was a patient man ; I take a certain pride In suffering as best I can Whatever ills betide. But this was not a thing to bear; So rising in my wrath, I slew the monster then and there Upon the table-cloth. "The moral of my tale, methinks, 'Tis needless to declare. I wish to take my forty winks: Disturb me if ye dare. The first who interferes with me Imperils life and limb; For as I did unto the bee I mean to do to him!" Again he glanced upon the crew, Irresolute and pallid grew Their bravest and their best. Next morning when the sunlight gleam'd Upon the earth and sea, That unmolested youth still dream'd About the humble-bee. WEATHERBOUND IN THE SUBURBS. THE air is damp, the skies are leaden ; The ominous lull of impending rain Presses upon me, and seems to deaden Hopes of getting again to London Lapse into utter and grim despair; I sit in a silence broken only Now and again by the wandering breeze, A breeze in the garden, wandering lonely, Or playing the fool with shivering trees. |